WHY START A BLOG?
This isn’t the first time that I’ve tried to start a blog. I’ve tried at least two other times. The problem is, I’ve always been married to the idea of having a blog much more than the actual upkeep.
Writing is one of my first loves, and yet I’ve frequently fallen short of the prerequisites needed to turn ideas and thoughts into finished products. Lacking discipline, succumbing to fear, and struggling to plan ultimately sunk my previous attempts.
However, I made a commitment this year to be PROACTIVE.
Being proactive for me has been all about not being a bystander, but being an initiator. I want to play a role in creating opportunities for myself to serve and shepherd others out of obedience to God. I don’t want to abide in my tendency to be passive.
Blogging also is a natural avenue for self reflection, a process I’ve rarely participated in unless forced (until this year). It is a space that allows me to put proactivity into practice.
WHY WINDSHIELD AND THE REARVIEW?
So why Windshield and the Rearview? Even though the blog will operate as a little work portfolio for myself, I didn’t really want to call it Nick Clark (or any other variation of my name). It felt a bit too on the nose and ultimately I didn’t want the blog to be all about me.
I mentioned at the beginning that I’ve struggled my whole life to be mindful of the past and future while still living in the present. That gave me an idea. I realized that the name should act as a reminder of how God has called us to live. He has called us to live presently in light of what has happened and look forward to what could and will be. This is where the image of the Windshield and the Rearview entered my mind.
Driving a car is all about being conscious of where the car is and avoiding distraction. The present. You look through the windshield to see where you are headed. The future. And you glance at the rearview mirror to consider potential dangers from behind you and inform your future movement. The past.
I also think that design is an important part of the human experience. We were created by a Powerful Designer. The world created for us to live in is filled with spectacular function and form. When we take in the designs of a Creative God, we are reminded of His Greatness. The Windshield and the Rearview theme provides a clear, and powerful image. It is a helpful representation, and for most people is an everyday view as they go about their day.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
Looking back a couple months from now, my hope is that the blog can fulfill a number of purposes:
1. Serve As A Resource
For starters, I plan to post articles, book reviews, instructional videos, and graphic designs that you might find helpful for everyday life or ministry. While the production of these resources is mainly to grow my skills and giftings, I want to play a role in teaching and serving you!
2. Act As A Portfolio
I believe I have been called to ministry, even if the context hasn’t been revealed to me yet. A lot of the experience, skills, and passions I have don’t always show on a resume so this is a space that I hope people can see how God has uniquely gifted me.
3. Be A Springboard For Creative Projects
In my experience, we serve an incredibly creative and innovative God. He is always creating opportunities for us to make His name known in all the world. I already have an ebook about taking advantage of opportunities to love, serve, and disciple others planned to be released this summer. Who knows what opportunities God will create for me next. If you have a collaborative idea you think I might be interested in, please let me know!
Hopefully, Windshield and the Rearview can be a blessing to you and point you to the Great God we serve. May it be used as a tool to: remind, unite, challenge, relate, teach, and grow you by the grace of God.
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