Where Are You Headed? (09/07/2024)

This week I heard a train whistle. It took me back over 50 years to my years of growing up in Waycross, Georgia named such because of all the railroad lines that crossed tracks in that city. Train whistles were an everyday multiple times everyday occurrence. And I did what I used to do, I asked the question, “Where are you headed?” Habits are hard to break, even when one hasn’t succumbed to it in ages.

I can remember, as a young kid wondering out loud where all those trains were going and where all those people were headed. Was it for work or pleasure, was it return to a military post, to tend to an ill relative, to go on a honeymoon? Was the trip far or just to a few towns down the line? Were they riding in the seat cars, did they have overnight berths, or did they have an actual room? As you can see, my penchant for questions began early in life. But seriously, don’t you ever wonder when you see a passenger train where and why the people are aboard? And when you’re out driving and surrounded by cars going somewhere, don’t you wonder where and why?

Our spiritual journeys, I believe, are similar. Where are you headed? Where am I headed? I like to think I am headed in the right direction, in a life giving and life sustaining direction. I like to believe that the things I am doing now like tending to my relationship with the LORD and with my sisters and brothers are steps along the way. I like to believe that doing right even when it isn’t easy and thinking of others and their needs will make a difference in my journey and in my destination. How about you?

Our savior, Jesus Christ, did teach us through words but also through example that what we do matters and does have a bearing on where we are headed. He was especially good at telling stories called parables to remind us of that like the parable of the prodigal son or the parable of Lazarus and the rich man or the parable of the talents. What we do now has a bearing, I learned, on where we are headed and if we’ll make it.

Jesus’ stories also were rich in details concerning mercy. Oh, I believe in mercy, because I have rarely gotten anywhere on a straight path; most of my journeys have involved a misstep or two. And being able to speak to the LORD, to admit my mistake and plead for forgiveness, knowing that the LORD’s mercy is unmatched, gives me the courage to try, to strike out again.

As we begin this weekend with extra time on our hands, perhaps, let us use it to ask ourselves where are we headed? Let us look at our direction, our actions, our activities. Are they going to get us there? Are they taking us astray?

Every day is a new day. “Behold, I make all things new.”  Let us trust in the LORD’s words. Let us strike out once again – headed home.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well,