Twisty Roads

In the past, I have written about icy roads and Roman roads. This one is going to be about those roads that are not even close to straight and narrow. I recently had an assignment to work in the area of a state where many of the roads do not have the word “straight” in their description. They are narrow however. They twisted left and right and back again. The advisory speed limit signs were pretty accurate as to the speed you want to be doing as you make the turn, and 10 MPH was not unusual. On top of the twists, there were hills and when I’d get to the top, I never knew whether it would go straight, right or left or whether there was another car coming at me from the opposite direction. These were not the roads you would want to take for a relaxing Sunday drive in the country. There were times when I wished I still had my Porsche 944 instead of my Jeep. It would have been a lot more fun.

As Christians we are advised to follow the “straight and narrow” road to get to our destination. The advice really means don’t take any side trips that may lead to some other place instead of where we want to go. But straight? I don’t have a problem with narrow, but where is the challenge in a straight road? Life is not just an easy drive from beginning to end. There are all kinds of hazards and dangers and surprises and setbacks. Sometimes life is nice and straight and easy. All too often, however, life jumps up and tosses us a sharp curve when we least expect it or maybe that blind hill, not knowing what is on the other side. That is when you need to pay attention to the guideposts that direct you how to get through it safely. Where do you find the guideposts for life? Where you will find God’s words and guidance, of course. But how about those times you run into a curve too tight to navigate? How about the hills that are really mountains? There is an old Elvis Presley song, “You Gave Me A Mountain” (on YouTube, of course) that tells us of those possibilities. When we can’t make the turn or climb the mountain, then we have to reach out our hands for help … as in lifted in prayer. God is there to help, whether the road of life is straight and easy or a driver’s nightmare.

How about the way you are driving life’s road? Are you thinking that you can do this on your own, handling the curves and hills yourself? If you don’t pay attention to the guideposts, you may well crash. On the other hand, if you are willing to accept God’s help, his assistance, then you will arrive at that final destination we all seek, an eternity in God’s presence. Are YOU willing to let God be the faithful navigator, the one who will guide you to his home?

The Chapel By The Side Of The Road

I do a lot of traveling as part of my job and I get to see strange, wonderful and different things wherever I go. There is a rest area in Ohio that has a small chapel over on the far side away from the visitors’ center. It is a small white chapel and the sign out front says it is “The Healing Chapel – Ohio’s Smallest Church”. It is just a simple country church, seating for eight, and has a large painting of the crucified Christ at the front. There is no pastor, no services, no music. It is just a place for people to pause in their journey and spend a few quiet moments talking to God. If you search on the Internet, you can find the story of how it came to be as a result of the faith of a Christian couple.

What makes it unique is that it is just a plain white chapel, nothing fancy. We are so used to our large churches, with a priest or minister, rousing, motivational sermons, and good music, that the idea of something quiet and peaceful as a place to pray and talk to God seems very strange. It is also a welcome change from all of the normal. It is a chance to sit or kneel and just spend time praying or just being in God’s presence. Yes, I know you can take time out of your day and find a quiet corner of your house or drop into your church for a few minutes. The problem with that is there is the reality of all of the distractions in your house to interrupt you. As for finding your church or any church during the day when services are not being held, good luck. Most of the time the doors are locked and there is no way to get in to pray. Instead of spending a few minutes praying, you will most likely spend them checking each of the doors to see if they are all locked and then walking away in frustration.

Do you need to find a small white country chapel by the side of the road to get away from everything and have a simple few minutes with God? No, you don’t. Look for a small park or something similar where there is peace and quiet. Leave your cell phone in the car and walk or sit or kneel in the grass and just talk to God as you would a best friend. You do know that is exactly who he is, right? Take the time, make the time, and find a little peace in the middle of your day. May God’s peace be with you and follow you always.