Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear
By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
You ever notice how the smallest things in life carry the biggest lessons? Like that little line stamped onto the side mirror of your car: “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.” It’s so simple, you barely pay attention to it. But think about it it’s a quiet little warning disguised as a safety message.
The reason it’s there is because car mirrors are convex curved outward. That curve pulls in a wider view of what’s behind you, but it plays a trick on your eyes. Everything looks smaller, farther, almost harmless. But let me tell you something just because it looks distant doesn’t mean it won’t show up in your lane before you know it.
Isn’t that how life works too? We misjudge. The challenges we ignore feel miles away until they’re knocking on the door. The opportunities we dream about seem like they’re out of reach when they’re practically parked next to us. Even our blessings our peace, joy, and answers can look so far off we don’t even try reaching for them.
And let’s be honest, we’ve all had moments when we’ve been “bad drivers” in life. I remember a time when I thought I could handle everything on my own. I kept my eyes locked on my own version of the road. I thought I knew exactly how far things were, what was urgent, what could wait. I told myself, “I’ll deal with it later.” Until one day bam I got blindsided. Life moved quicker than I did, and I learned the hard way that mirrors lie when you don’t check them properly.
Here’s where it gets good, though. Faith, prayer, and trust in the Creator? They’re like recalibrating your vision. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s got a clearer, higher view of the road one that stretches beyond the curves and blind spots. Faith reminds you that what you’re chasing isn’t as far away as you think. Prayer lets you take your hands off the wheel just long enough to hear directions. And trust? Well, trust is knowing that even when the view looks distorted, the Creator’s got you covered.
Let me put it this way. You ever drive in heavy rain, where the wipers are struggling, and your headlights feel useless? You’re leaning forward, squinting, gripping the wheel like your life depends on it (because it does). That’s what life feels like sometimes when everything’s blurry, and you’re not sure what’s coming at you next. But here’s the thing: even when you can’t see clearly, the Creator does. That’s why obedience matters. You listen, slow down when you need to, and trust the signals you’re given.
I’ve seen too many people crash into their own lives because they ignored what was closer than it looked. They pushed off important conversations, overlooked little blessings, or mistook their struggles as something they could “deal with later.” But later comes fast.
So, what’s distorting your mirrors? Is it pride, fear, doubt, or distraction? We all have them. They’re the thoughts and habits that pull us out of balance, convincing us we’ve got more time than we really do.
But here’s the thing faith recalibrates your perspective. Prayer clears up the fog. Trust keeps you steady when the road gets bumpy. It’s like driving with confidence, knowing you’re not alone in the car.
Next time you catch that little line on your side mirror “Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear”—think about it. Maybe the Creator is trying to remind you that the answers you’re waiting for, the growth you’re craving, and the joy you’ve been searching for are already right there. Closer than you think.
Keep your mirrors checked, your eyes forward, and your faith steady. Life’s road is tricky, but with the right vision, you’ll know exactly when to move.
Author’s Note
This reflection took me back to those “oh no” moments on the road you know, when you glance at the side mirror, feel confident, hit the gas… and BAM! Someone’s honking like they’re auditioning for an orchestra. Let’s be real, those little mirrors are tricksters. That “closer than they appear” line? It’s not just there for show.
The abstract artwork captures this exact lesson. It’s messy, beautiful, and reflective just like life. The swirl of shapes and colors represents how our perception gets distorted, making blessings or challenges look farther away than they actually are. But that golden light breaking through? That’s faith. It’s the Creator’s way of gently nudging us, saying, “Hey, I’ve got this. Stop squinting so hard. Trust Me.”
So next time you catch yourself overthinking, doubting, or believing something is “too far out of reach,” remember that mirror—and this piece of art. The answers you’re waiting for might already be in your blind spot, tailing you like a persistent friend. Don’t let life honk at you to get your attention.
Drive safe, trust the journey, and keep checking those mirrors.
With faith,
Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar
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