Tag Archive for: Relationships

A Friday Evening Errand

It’s not what I expected.  Yet, at a theme park I found a replica of a mid-Twentieth Century restaurant with vintage cars to complete the picture.  The scene reminded me of how young people used to cruise streets of their local towns on Friday and Saturday nights.

Thinking later about that view, it reminded me of a story that I had heard a pastor share.

An older couple went to town one Friday evening to run some errands. Driving along, they saw several young couples sitting close in vehicles that they passed.

Finally, the wife from her place across the pickup cab asked, “Do you remember when we used to sit like that?”

From behind the steering wheel, her husband with a quick glance her direction said, “I have never moved.”

Perhaps, you can relate to this story.

You may feel distance between a spouse, relative or friend.  What caused that distance?  A particular situation may come to mind, or it may have just been a gradual separation.  May I ask if you have done anything to reconcile that rift?

I’ve had friendships that have gradually grown apart.  It’s not a fun feeling to see a former friend as a mere acquaintance.  Experience also has shown that it can be difficult reviving some of those relationships – especially in the hectic world that we find ourselves in.

Going a little deeper, have you ever felt that God seemed far away?

Yet, like the old gentleman in the story, our Creator never moves.  It’s always you and me that puts distance between ourselves and the Heavenly Father.

I don’t know where you’re at in life.  Perhaps, there are some relationships that need mending.  Maybe you need to make time to get alone with God?

Friend, let’s look for ways to rebuild friendships and draw close to the Heavenly Father.

Have a great day!

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8a (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 Testament of Faith

It’s been many years since any services were held in this old church building. Yet, it’s history speaks to another era.

Across the road, and out of the picture, is a cemetery once belonging to the congregation that used to meet here. Just beyond the church, a crossroads is barely visible.

You may say that based on the location of the cemetery and roads meeting nearby, this structure stood at the intersection of faith and life.

There was a time when buildings like this were at the center of many communities. From raising children to follow God, to providing a final resting place, churches played an important role for generations of families. Passing along the cemetery today, one will see many last names that have ties to the area.

While times have changed, these old church buildings are a testament to the Bible’s timeless truths of Christ’s love and forgiveness to those who seek Him.

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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Spring Lambs

Lambs come to mind for many people when they think about spring.  They’re fun to watch as they play and run around open pastures near their mothers.  The docile, gentle, defenseless animals have come to represent Easter.

Yet, young lambs running about in pastures also have a significant religious meaning.

For the Christian, these animals represent the people who Christ came to die and come back to life for. As the Bible tells us, people are like sheep. We are prone to get entangled in problems and make bad decisions – just like those four-legged critters. Jesus is also referred to as the Good Shepherd. Just as a farmer or rancher who cares for and protects his sheep from danger, Jesus came to save us and protect us from the consequences of our sins.

In other passages of scripture, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb of God.  In this, He is likened to the young sheep that were continually offered as sin and fellowship sacrifices to God.  Through Christ’s death and resurrection, He paid the ultimate price for all who would place their trust in Him.

As the weather warms and becomes mild, it’s fun to observe the newness of life that’s happening around us.  Lambs are one of the many signs that God has given us showing that He still makes all things new.

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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When We Slow Down

I was on my way to make a delivery when I saw this sunrise. Driving down a frozen gravel road, the slower speed allowed me a few moments to enjoy this early morning scene. With no other traffic around, I stopped to take this picture.

As I drove away, I couldn’t help but think about the fast-paced world that many of us find ourselves caught living in. Even with all of our technology, life seems to continually grow more hectic.

It may seem like we’re accomplishing more things in our sped up world. But, at what cost? It seems as if you and I, along with our loved ones, often end up paying enormous prices as we try to find a balance.

Perhaps, it would be a good thing to slow down. After all, we weren’t made to continually be on the go. In fact, we see this in the Bible. In addition to Sabbaths, God appointed other times to rest and spend time in fellowship with Him and others.

As we go through life, we shouldn’t squander the time and opportunities that God gives us. Yet, I also believe that He doesn’t want us to be so busy that we lose our focus on Him and those around us.

This picture reminds us that something as simple as a sunrise or sunset can serve as a reminder to find our joy in our Creator, and to love the people who He brings into our lives.

Have a great day! 😀

“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” – Psalm 46:10 (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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What Are You Picking?

I captured this picture a few years ago. This Amish farmer is seen picking corn with a pull-behind corn picker.

A lot of work goes into a crop before it gets to harvest. There’s the initial time invested in fieldwork and planting. Afterwards, comes countless hours cultivating and tending the new crop to help it reach its greatest potential.

Of course, lots of hard work and care doesn’t ensure that a crop will turn out well. Weather, insects and other variables can wreak havoc on plants.

Ultimately, the success of a crop is in the hands of the Creator. Yet, He desires the farmer to work with Him.

It’s through that joint endeavor that we learn more about His character and care for us.

As we begin a new year, we will face many opportunities. Some things will succeed, while others won’t.

In the end, the outcome of the harvest depends on God. Let’s make sure that we make the most out of where He plants and leads us!

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 Worn Fence and Autumn Leaves

I recently made a delivery to an old farm. As I was leaving, this scene caught my attention. The worn fence was a nice contrast to the trees’ leaves.

Fences often have a way of blending in with the landscape.  We often take them for granted – until animals get out.

As those of us who have ever lived in the country know, fences are an important part of farms.  In addition to managing animals, they help to prevent predators from attacking livestock.  Fences can also serve as markers for property lines.

A well-maintained fence can add value and security to a property.  Worn, dilapidated ones are often an eyesore.

Whether we realize it or not, there are fences in each of our lives.  These come in the form of the ideas, values, religious views and other perspectives that form and shape who we are.

How well we conform and remain consistent to these beliefs and ideals tells a lot about the fences that we’ve built.

Next time that you or I drive down a rural road, let’s take a look at the fences that we pass.  What do they say about the farms that they’re a part of?

Then, let’s think about the fences that we’ve placed in our lives.  Let’s check to see how well they’re holding up.  Are they protecting us, or do those fences need some mending?

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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Journey Down a Dirt Road

I came across this picture that I had taken some time ago. Many thoughts about dirt roads and old barns came to mind as I looked at the photo. 

As I continued to look at this scene, thoughts of work came to mind. After all, dirt roads and old barns seem to bring up memories of hard, manual labor – you know, an honest day’s work. 

Today, we live in a world that seems to grow more hectic by the minute. The technology that was supposed to make our lives easier has often just made us busier. We’re in a hurry to get places, but we don’t take the time to enjoy the ride. This is many of our lives. But, is that what life is really about? A constant rat race from birth to death? 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that there’s joy in the journey – not just at the destination. Along the way, we’ll experience bumps and bruises – and, you and I will hit some pretty big potholes. Yet, like a great meal that’s been left to simmer, the best things in life are often found on the roads that are least traveled. 

Old barns, houses and fences tell their own stories of love, laughter, trials and hard work – the kind of life that leaves a person exhausted and yet contented. These feelings are robbed from us when we’re too busy to slow down. 

Pictures like this remind me that the best things in life often occur when we take our time. Not only do we make fewer mistakes, but we may experience and enjoy what really matters – time with God and loved ones. 

So, let me urge you to find a dirt road. Slow down and see where it may lead. You may be surprised to find the destination to be a place that draws you closer to your Creator and loved ones. 

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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Simpler Times

Stone fences are often associated with the New England states and rural Europe. Across much of the Midwest, where I’m from, fences made from boards or barbed wire are more common.

Likewise, covered bridges are often considered to be a thing of the past. While they can still be occasionally found, most of these structures are either restored or built to look old.

This picturesque Midwestern farm drive offers a glimpse into another time. With a covered bridge, and a stone fence lining part of its length, one feels like they’re traveling down “Memory Lane”.

Looking at this scene, it calls back to a time that seems simpler. Small farms, families working together, neighbors helping each other and communities coming together to worship are hallmarks of that era.

Today, we are often stressed out in our hustle and bustle. We lose more than we gain, as we miss out on time with God, family and friends.

This picture is a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. Let’s make sure that we’re investing our time in the people who truly matter in our lives.

Have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Story of Love and Faith

It may look like another small country church. Yet, it’s part of my family’s story.

Today is Dad and Mom’s anniversary. This is where they exchanged their wedding vows before God, family and friends many years ago.

Having moved away long ago, our family hasn’t attended here since I was a young boy. Today, we only make it back for an occasional visit to the neighboring cemetery.

This picture reminds me of the importance of God in my parents’ lives. Commitment, love, faithfulness and grace are some of the many lessons that they are still passing on through their example.

We live in a world that is filled with many distractions. Yet, this old church reminds me of lessons taught by Dad and Mom: to remain committed to God and our families.

Have a great day!😀

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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