I guess I must have a thing for roads these days. I’ve done a LOT of driving over the last five days or so—that’s what some of us do over Thanksgiving Holidays. I’ve got my hands on a steering wheel in my sleep. That just can’t be a good thing. “Driving me crazy” is what comes to mind. Hmmm.
That bend in the road is still in my mind, too. As we come to the end of another year, I think a lot of us wonder what the new year will bring, once the old year celebrating is over. I am already thinking about my goals for the new year and what I’ve accomplished, or not accomplished in the old year. If you don’t accomplish, does that mean you’ve failed? Or just that “it” is still there to pursue?
As we just commemorated another Thanksgiving, we remembered how God provided for the Pilgrims and the First Nations together and how they gave Him thanks for it. We partied and ate our fill of good things. Some of us napped or pretended to watch football (heard that snore!).
I read of another special Supper not long ago. After that one, Jesus, the Host, said, “Let us arise and go from here.” I am struck by the idea that Jesus arose and went straight towards the place of suffering. He invited his disciples to accompany Him. They, however, full of good food and a sweet time together, fell asleep in contentment (sort of like we do after a Thanksgiving dinner). They had no premonition of what was to come. They were totally clueless.
I had plenty of time for reflection while on the road this weekend. The freeway goes and goes. On ramps and off ramps give opportunities to go on side trips. It occurred to me that there are two roads and two ways of following. The choice is to stay on the road and face what’s ahead or let it come around and plant you a facer. The wilderness is just a turn away.
I don’t want to fall asleep with my hands still on the steering wheel because I am filled and satisfied with what is temporary. I want to go somewhere with purpose. I want to follow Jesus because He knows all about the destination and I plan to get there!
As Jesus traveled to Emmaus with two men after rising from the dead, He said to them:
“Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” Luke 24:26.
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