Sitting in the brown seats, we looked out the window. The traffic was stopped, people looking through their windshields, waiting for the signal that they will be able to continue on their way to wherever they were going. We sat. The train still at the crossing, people climbing the steps to enter the silver-sided cars, hoping to find a seat where they could relax on their trip to their final destination. Where was it? Lincoln? Bloomington? Perhaps Chicago or even beyond. People looking up, wondering when it will be out their way. Anxious. Frustrated. Angry? Not as we sat in the seats, relaxing, knowing that soon we would be on our way.
Traveling by train. We enjoy it. Penny and I have spent days on a train going across the country, enjoying America in a special way. The Southwest Chief going through Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. You couldn't beat it. And yet, you could. The California Zephyr through the Rockies. And then the favorite, the Empire Builder across the northern tier of states. That first trip together seems like a while ago. It was 9 years. A good time. Wine and cheese tasting. Lamb shanks in the dining car. Wow! It was a trip.
There goes Atlanta! Illinois that is. The barn with eight sides. The museum. All whisking by as we sit comfortably, listening to music, enjoying the gentle rocking of the train. Not so gentle as it crosses a switch or turn out. Then back to a gentle sway.
Life moving quickly. Time slipping by. It is July already Where did the year go? How could it pass like so many small towns outside the window? There goes another one. There goes another month. A stop in one station. Then back to moving. The throb of the freight engines as we move quickly past. It is waiting for us to pass so it could continue on its way. Yellow streaks and then the various cars. Like life, so much variety and yet after a while they all look the same. Flashing past. Then it is past. Cornfields with tasseling corn. Bean fields green with growth.
Green with growth. The season of Pentecost. Growing like the plants in the field. Needing water and nutrients to stay alive. Needing Word and Sacrament to stay alive. Why would anyone deny themselves that which they need so desperately to keep their faith alive? Like the plants, they begin to think they are doing it on their own. Who needs God each day? Worship? Its about me! So says the stalk of corn as it stands proudly in the field. Will it make it to harvest? Depends on the rain, the heat, the storm and a host of other things. I can do it myself, it thinks. I can do it myself, he thinks.
Stopping on the siding, waiting. Why? Why can't I just do what I want? Because if you go now, you will run head on into a train coming south. Do you want that? Make them wait? Why? Are you more important than others? Is your time more valuable than theirs? In our sinfulness we would say yes. It is. But in reality, it isn't That is the selfish thinking of a self-centered person at work. Sitting, waiting, wondering. What is life going to bring you? What track will you be on? Will you take the siding? Will you make it to your destination?
Rolling again. Sunlight flashing through the trees. Flashing on the seat next to you. Good to see the sun. But you know even something so good as the sun can cause you problems. The heat of the summer sun, the brightness of the sun in the north country where it doesn't set till late and comes up early. Such a difference. Thinking of what it was like to see the sun set early in Hawaii. Was that really 4 years ago? Like a train flashing through the small town, life flashes past quickly.
And so the trip continues on. More thoughts. More rambling. More fun. Enjoying the trip with my love by my side. Can it get any better? Knowing the Lord, having Him hold me, giving me hope and direction. Yes, life is like riding a train through the heartland. Sometimes it moves quickly, sometimes it crawls and sometimes it sits in the middle of nowhere, waiting. So it is.
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