Tag Archive for: Perspective

Thunder, Lightning and Smiles

One night several years ago, an incredible storm rolled through the area just before I left work. Although it was too early for the sun to go down, the sky had already grown quite grey and was growing darker by the minute. Finally, as I was getting ready to park my work truck in a building for the night, the sky opened up with an incredible show as lightning flashed remarkably close and the roar of thunder was quite deafening. Although I generally don’t mind storms, on that particular evening, I was thinking that it was just a little too close for comfort. As the storm came in, it didn’t help when a large bang and crackling noise, along with other loud static, came over my CB radio. I can assure you that my radio got turned off pretty quickly after that noise came through the speakers!

Thinking about that evening’s storm, let me share a story that I heard a long time ago. It’s one that I think about nearly every time I experience a thunderstorm.

A young mother was out running errands one day and got caught in a thunderstorm as she was driving. As she continued driving through the heavy storm, she would often look back to check on her daughter, who was riding in the backseat, to see how she was taking the thunder and lightning. Each time that a lightning bolt would flash, the little girl’s face would get a huge smile on it. Finally, intrigued, the mother asked her daughter why she was smiling whenever the lightning flashed. Without missing a beat, the little girl looked at her mother and said: “Because God is taking my picture!”

Think about it! What an incredible picture, isn’t it? The same God who created the terrifying storm, also created it to be beautiful – to display His power and glory for us to see. It’s so easy for us to forget how powerful God is. Sometimes we treat Him haphazardly – like one of us. We don’t give Him the honor that He deserves. And, to be honest, when we forget about His power and the reality of who He is, it’s easy to lose some of the awe and reverence that we should have for Him. Sometimes, we need something electrifying to jolt us back to reality. We need to remember that God isn’t always safe, but He is always good.

No one is promised a life that’s free of storms. In fact, we’re promised the opposite. We will all know storms throughout our lives. We may face financial problems, illnesses, family issues – or a host of other things. Sometimes the storms that we face seem to be too powerful for us. There are times when we may feel like we’re not going to see the sunshine and peaceful skies on the other side. Yet, we can have confidence that whenever we go through a storm, we don’t have to go through it alone. The God who created the storm also wants to walk with us through the storm. Even though He is so powerful that He can create the greatest storms, God is also gentle. We can rest in His presence – just like that little girl. Even as the storm rages all around us, we can still find the peace to truly enjoy God’s presence. Think about the peace and comfort that can be ours – just by finding our rest, peace, happiness and joy in Him.

Whatever storm we may be facing, God always wants to walk through it with us. If we allow Him to have control of the storm, then there’s nothing to worry about. We just need to relax and enjoy the lightshow! Of course, we need to smile. God may be taking our picture, also!

Have a great day!

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

 

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A Scottish-Type of Spring

On my way to a recent delivery, I passed this farm. In a pasture near the road, nearly a dozen head of Scottish Highland cattle grazed.

Separated by a vast ocean, these animals were thousands of miles from their native homeland. Yet, they seemed content eating the fresh, green grass of an early Midwestern spring day.

Like those head of cattle, we often find ourselves in places that may seem foreign to us. Do we adjust to, and perhaps even thrive in, our circumstances? Or do we make them a place of hardship and grief?

You and I may not always have a choice in where we’re placed. But, we can decide to allow our Creator to help us make the most out of each situation.

We may not find grass very appetizing. However, there’s always something that can help us grow in every situation if we’re willing to look for it.

Have a great day!

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Longhorn Perspective

Recently, I saw these three head of cattle in a pasture that I was driving past.

From the intent look of the closest animal, I felt fortunate to have a fence between her and me! It was as if she was protecting the other cow with its calf.

How often do we show concern for others around us? After all, we’re all created by God.

Each individual shows the Creator’s love in unique ways. Perhaps, we could take a lesson from these animals and show concern for each person who comes into our lives. In the end, we will experience God’s love in ways that may not have been possible otherwise.

Have a great day!

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Drawing Water

At one time, the sight of a windmill was a common sight on many farms.  Used to power a pump, it was an integral part of helping to draw water out of the ground for both the people and animals that called the place home.  Rising above the house and other outbuildings, the metal framed structure stood like a lone sentinel guarding the property.

Windmills are still found in many places but aren’t as common today. They are still located on old farmsteads and also at Amish farms in place of electric power. Miniature reproductions can also be seen as part of landscape displays.

Just like the water that comes from the ground, there are emotions, attitudes and thoughts within us – beneath our surface. What comes out, when we find ourselves facing different situations, is a reaction to what’s inside.

How you and I respond to others is a reflection to what – and Who – is in us. Let me encourage you to trust the Savior – drawing deeply and finding satisfaction from the well that will never run dry.

Have a great day!

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Late Winter Sunrise

How often do we take our surroundings for granted? Many of us seem to be in a hurry. In our haste, you and I may not make time for others. Likely, we will pass through our days without taking opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenes that are unfolding around us.

The sunrise and sky in this picture may capture your attention.  Yet, if the scene was overcast or the sun was higher in the sky, would we notice the beautiful colors that are announcing the arrival of another new day?  We may see them – or our eyes may wonder to the ground below.  You and I may catch glimpses of the stubble from last year’s corn crop – waiting to be plowed into the soil.

Our perception can change how we see things. One person may choose to set their eyes only on the cold, late winter day that this picture was taken in. Another individual may envision the beauty of the surrounding hillside and the incredible sky that’s being illuminated by the morning’s early light.

The reality is that we often choose to view much of our lives in the same manner. Likewise, we also decide if we will trust our Creator. While there’s many things that you and I may not be able to change, we are able to adjust our vision of what we see. That, my friend, can make all of the difference in how we go through our life.

Each day offers beautiful scenes. It’s up to us to decide how we will choose to view what we see.

Have a great day! 😊

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Old Dirt Roads

I spend a lot of time on small rural roads. Some are paved, while others are gravel. After many years of bouncing around in a truck cab on those types of roads, one’s body begins to feel the impact of every rut, pothole and bump that’s been encountered.

Recently, as I was making a delivery on a gravel road, the lyrics of a country song by the group, Sawyer Brown, came to mind. It’s been many years since I heard that song, so I had to look it up to remember some of the words.

That song, “The Dirt Road”, talks about life along the dusty trails – like the ones that I’m accustomed to. 

If you know anything about a dirt road, it’s definitely not “Easy Street”.  There are plenty of bumps and bruises along the way.

Yet, there’s a sense of enjoyment, and even fulfillment and purpose, that comes from traveling along those backroads. It’s along those rural byways, that many life lessons have been learned. Just like in the song’s lyrics, my parents always taught my sister and I to work hard. We weren’t to expect preferential treatment or handouts. Rather, we were shown the importance of hard work and helping others out. 

What Dad and Mom taught us has served us well in life. It was a way of helping us to learn what’s truly valuable in life – loving God, treating others with respect and that life was about relationships – not things. We also learned the value of doing our work well – regardless of what the job was.

Those lessons sometimes seem to be missing today. It often seems as if we live in a throw-away world, where some people are never content and always looking for something to entertain them. In an age of increasing negativity and conflict, perhaps those old lessons in kindness and grace could mend more than a few broken fences.

That day on that gravel road, took me back to another time.  Although my back might argue otherwise, I for one am grateful for those old dirt roads.

Have a great day! 😊

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Seasonal Perspective

This little stretch of stream is a place that I like to visit. Each season offers a different, unique perspective. I enjoy seeing the spring and summer flowers growing on the banks. 

Fall offers yellow leaves dangling from the trees. Of course, the ice formations hanging from the rocks offer their own beauty in the winter. 

Regardless of the time of year, each season here offers something new. In fact, the same thing could be said about all of creation – including each experience that we’re given.

This picture also reminds me that each season is a gift from God. In fact, we see this on a daily basis. Each sunrise offers opportunities to know our Creator in new, awe-inspiring, loving ways.

We may regularly visit a place many times. Yet, each occasion offers an incredible chance to witness it in a different light.

Have a great day! 😀

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Counting Blessings (and Turkeys)

It has often been said that if one can’t fall asleep, then they should count sheep.  When I was growing up, my Mom put a little twist on that.  She told my sister and me to count our blessings if we couldn’t sleep.

A few weeks ago, I drove by a farm with this large flock of turkeys.  I’m sure that this pasture is now empty.  Those birds have gone from feeding on grass, to being the main feature of many Thanksgiving Day meals.

While I don’t know how many turkeys were in that pasture, it reminds me of sheep.

There’s no doubt that this year has been challenging for many people.  Yet, even in the midst of struggle, there’s often a glimmer of hope – something to give thanks for.  What if we thought of each of these birds representing a blessing that we have been given.

As we begin this holiday season, I hope that you’ll join me in counting our blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!  🙂

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  –  Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Hills and Curves

Each trip offers a chance of a new adventure. Most of the time, we have a destination in mind. But, once in a while you and I may just decide to take a drive and see where we end up.

The rolling hills here, along with the curvy roads, create many unique views. One may never know what to expect over the next hill or around an upcoming turn.

That’s how life is, isn’t it?

We often have our lives mapped out. You and I seem to know where we’re going. Yet, how often does something come along that throws us off course? In fact, we may experience something great – just totally unexpected.

Yet, even in these unplanned moments, we don’t need to worry. Nothing surprises the One who created us. When we trust Him, you and I can be confident that we’re in safe hands.

Let’s enjoy the ride – looking forward to what may next come into view!

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Millcreek Perspective

“How did you get that picture?”

My father asked that after he first saw this picture. As the son of a milk hauler, he knew this valley well from his childhood.

Growing up, I learned many of these local landmarks and farms from Grandpa, Dad and my uncles. Traveling these roads between home and my grandparents, I learned a lot of these places by the names of the farmers who once lived there – when my grandfather picked up milk cans. In fact, more than four decades later, Dad can still recite the can numbers for some of those farms.

Today, I deliver lumber and building supplies in this area. Most of these farms have changed hands – some several times in the past half century.

Yet, there’s something about traveling the same backroads and country lanes as Grandpa and Dad did years before. Even today, many of those old names are referred to as I talk to Dad or my wife.

We live in a world that seems to be becoming more divisive and fragmented. Yet, these narrow country roads help me have a greater sense of community – and being able to serve those who live nearby.

We all have a responsibility to care for and serve those around us. Let’s look for opportunities to build up our communities!

Have a great day! 😀

(Please follow us on Facebook at “The Rural Journal” and online at www.theruraljournal.com. This was first published at www.theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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