We live in a world that is always in a hurry. In the process, we often lose focus on what really matters: God and people. As a result of this misguided view, the rest of our lives, work and many of our best intentions become mediocre.
What if we took the time to experience God and listen to others? Perhaps, if we order our lives in a slower more orderly way, you and I can then say that we have given our best.
(Photo Credit: My wife.)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
Work boots are one of my favorite forms of footwear. Ever since I was a young boy, I appreciated the hard work that they represented. Since then, steel toes have protected my feet many times. And if I’m being completely honest, since I’ve always been a bit vertically-challenged, I like the additional height that they offer.
These work boots have traveled a lot of miles – quite literally. In addition, they’ve supported a lot of weight – mine, and the heavy, bulky construction materials that I often have to shoulder. After wearing them for over two years, they’re finally worn to the point that they will need to be replaced soon.
My boots don’t look nice anymore. The leather is faded and cracked – with holes developing in the toes. They are tattered and worn – having survived many seasons of both weather and life. If you were to talk about them with my wife, she may also tell you that they don’t smell very nice, either!
These work boots resemble how some of us may feel. We may feel battered, worn and exhausted by life – like we’re falling apart. Fortunately, God never says that we’re too old to have value, or worn beyond usefulness.
This picture reminds us of the importance of hard work and commitment. It also is a reminder that young boys will become men one day, so parents, let’s raise them up well.
Have a great day! 🙂
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
You may have heard of the Dr. Seuss title, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. Perhaps, you have even read that story.
Different things, like this picture, remind us of people who we’ve met, experiences that have been had and places where you and I have gone.
Each of our journeys look different. Yet, the ebbs and flows of our lives help us to be unique – allowing God’s love to be shown in different ways.
It’s been said that our lives are a gift from God – what we do with our lives are our gift to God. Let the journey and the places that we go be a means to see and reflect the Father’s love.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
A manure spreader doesn’t make for a real appealing photo subject to most folks. I realize this – even if it’s horse-drawn, and found on an Amish farm.
I lived in the country when I was growing up. Whenever one of the neighbors was spreading manure on their fields, Mom would sometimes ask my sister and me if we could “smell that fresh country air”. To a former farm girl, I suppose that she figured that there weren’t many things more “fresh” smelling than newly-spread manure. Perhaps, that was one of the reasons why she didn’t mind not having to farm as an adult!
We realize that manure is a natural fertilizer. It provides valuable nutrients for the soil. In addition, for farmers with livestock, spreading it on fields is a cost-effective manner of removing the livestock-generated waste material.
There’s another aspect of manure that many probably overlook: how corrosive it can be. I saw this firsthand recently, when I saw a farmer pulling a liquid manure spreader. A large portion of the tank’s top had rusted away – likely from years of hauling waste, exposing the inside of the spreader.
Images of farmers spreading manure provide us with a couple of powerful lessons.
As manure helps crops grow, our words and actions can also have a positive effect on others – helping to encourage them.
However, we must be cautious. Our words can take root like a random kernel of grain or a weed seed that may be found in manure. Whether intentional or not, just like a manure spreader throwing its contents over a field, what we say and do can be thrown around in such a way as to inflict pain on others.
A manure spreader is a powerful reminder that we must be careful with our words and actions. We can spread something that encourages growth – or, that is corrosive.
Let’s be sure that what we say doesn’t hurt and poison others. Rather, may our lives and actions be lived out in a way that will promote and nurture kindness and grace to all who we may encounter.
Have a great day!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
Growing up in a rural, farming community, I’ve always loved watching farmers work in their fields. This is one of the reasons why I have always looked forward to spring and fall. After all, what young boy wouldn’t be enthralled with large powerful trucks, tractors, combines and the host of other equipment used during planting and harvest?
Living in an area with a large Amish population, I also enjoyed watching as farmers used teams of draft horses to work their fields. While I loved the sights and sounds of more modern farm equipment, there was also a sense of enjoyment watching a four or six-horse hitch of Belgians or Percherons working in a field.
With my love of farm equipment, it’s no wonder that I was fascinated by this old, horse-drawn grain drill. It has covered many acres during its years of usefulness. Even in retirement, it still serves as a planter – of a different type.
Seeing this drill is a great reminder that we plant into others’ lives. Our words and actions often affect one another – even though we may not notice it at the time.
Looking at this picture, I’m reminded of all of those who enjoy watching farm equipment working cropland every spring. In the same way, I hope that kindness, joy and grace will be crops that my life sows into the lives of others.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
I’ve traveled this stretch of gravel road hundreds of times. It was one of the ways that I could reach my grandparents’ place.
It’s been a number of years since they have passed away. Yet, I still go through here occasionally as I make deliveries.
Seeing this picture reminds me of all of the times that I spent visiting with Grandpa and Grandma. If they were home, the doors were unlocked, because they loved having family stop by. There was always something interesting to talk about – often with a cup of tea or can of pop, along with something to eat. They made it feel like home for many of us who would stop by to visit.
This photo also reminds me of one day going Home – not to visit, but to stay. I look forward to the meal and conversation when I’m seated with other “family” at the table in the Father’s house. I hope to chat with you there!
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
Many of us are excited to see the first days of spring arrive. Flowers start to bloom, tree buds appear and lawns begin to green. Newborn animals are seen in pastures. At the same time, many people enjoy the arrival of spring sports and campfires with friends.
With the arrival of spring comes Easter. It’s symbolic of the new life that awaits all who seek God’s forgiveness for their sins, and accept His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.
Many think about the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. We recall the horrible way that He suffered and died. At this time, we also remember how Christ triumphantly defeated death when He rose from the grave.
During these early days of a new season, please take some time to reflect on the newness of life with Christ. Let those thoughts draw you near to the Savior who loves you so much that He would rather die than live without you.
Have a great day!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
Down a small gravel road, more than a mile from the nearest blacktop highway, stands this old house. As one can see, the house looks forlorn – open to the elements as windows and doors are missing.
Sitting abandoned for many years, the paint disappeared long ago. In the light, the old wood siding shows its dull gray coloring from years of aging and exposure to the elements.
Even in winter, the house is almost hidden. It sits lonely in a wooded area – where a yard once had been. There are a couple interesting features about the property . A small ravine is just a few feet from the front door. Also, a much newer house stands in an open area a few hundred yards from this old structure.
I have loved old homes since I was a boy. In fact, my parents raised my sister and me in an old farmhouse.
Near the time when we became teens, our Dad and Mom bought an old Victorian house. It became a labor of love that united us closer as a family over the years as we worked on the property. Many memories were made as we undertook various projects together there. Looking back, I wonder if the house was our parents’ way of keeping me and my sister from getting into too much mischief?!
Thinking about these two houses, I wonder about all of the things that happened within their walls. What were the families like who once treasured these houses as their homes?
Many of us want the newest things such as houses, clothing, vehicles and electronics. We live in a world that values possessions. But, we’re also quick to discard anything that is seen as obsolete or of no value. These old homes beg us to think about what we value – and, what is quickly thrown out and abandoned.
We are the same way with people. As long as someone brings value to us, or they’re fun to be with, than we want them in our lives. Unfortunately, we often don’t give time to those who may be different, or who we don’t believe brings value to our lives.
We become richer when you and I learn to love and have compassion for others – especially those who are not like us. It is often in those relationships where we learn new things about ourselves, and find the true value and joy that come from engaging with others.
Old houses have taught me some important lessons about buildings and relationships – primarily that beauty can be found in both. There’s often so much more value to see – if we will just take the time to discover it.
Have a great day!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.” – Martin Luther
Growing up in the country, one of the things that I often enjoyed was the new life that was born in the spring. You saw it as trees, plants and newborn animals all came to life.
Another, more important, reminder of new life starting in spring is Easter. It is the day that we, who are Christians, take time to reflect on Jesus resurrection from the grave.
Perhaps, though, you are wondering about the claims that Jesus rose from the grave. That is fine. Questions are always a great way to learn something.
First off, we have various authors’ written claims of Jesus’ resurrection in the Bible. We also have accounts by secular historians of His day – such as Josephus. In addition, we have physical evidence that has been unearthed by archeologists. All of these sources tell us that Jesus and His followers were actual people that lived at the time that the Bible tells us.
We also see how Jesus died. He was flogged 39 times, forced to carry a wooden cross, nailed to that cross and hung there for several hours, speared by a Roman guard and placed in a tomb. After facing all of this, how could He have remained alive and been strong enough to roll a stone that some estimate could have weighed up to 4,000 pounds and defeated Roman guards that were standing guard at the stone?
Why did the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders have the Roman authorities post a guard? After all, Jesus was dead – and His disciples had all deserted Him. How was He going to leave a tomb?
Yet, those same men who had fled would eventually all believe in His resurrection and be willing to be persecuted for their belief in Him. If they did not truly believe in Jesus death and resurrection, why would they have died for a lie?
The question that each of us is forced to answer is what are we going to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus? Will we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, or are we going to deny Him? Jesus allows us to make our own decision – wanting us to come to Him on our own.
In closing, let me share with you something else that I have seen in nature.
When land has been burned, new growth always comes and grows in the place that was destroyed by fire. In the same way, sin has come to destroy us. But, if we are willing, Jesus wants to come and reside within us – creating a new life out of our ashes.
Have a great day!
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6 (NIV)
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)
While making a delivery at a house some time ago, two young brothers were riding bikes near my truck. While I was unloading, the older one who was perhaps about six, stopped to talk to me several times.
At one point, he told me that his father worked for a man named “Maynard”. Then, the boy said that he wanted to work for Maynard someday, too.
Well, I’m not sure who Maynard is. But apparently, he must be a pretty nice man.
Since that day, I’ve thought several times about that conversation that I had with that young boy.
Each one of us has countless opportunities to make impressions on people.
How often do we take time to show kindness to those who we come into contact with – even little children? Do people see that we genuinely care about them? Or, do they feel like they’re an inconvenience to us as we hurry through our days?
The fact that that young boy wants to work for his father’s boss also says something. If you’re an employer or manager, would your employees recommend that their children seek employment under you?
As we go through each day, let’s be conscientious of the people who cross our paths. How we treat them may impact them in ways that we will never know. Let us treat others in a way that they know that they’re valued by God – and us.
Have a great day!
(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)