Tag Archive for: Stories

Dreams, Hats and Trucks

Recently our son asked my wife and me what he should be someday.  His mind has already come up with some interesting ideas of jobs that he would love to pursue.  So, his question was interesting.

As I think about his question, I’m thinking of one of my own childhood dreams – having a few trucks.  It was my plan to one day hand that business over to my son.  Like the picture shows, I wanted him to follow in my steel-toed footsteps – right down to having similar Peterbilt caps – his, of course is the “Future Trucker” one.

I know that there are some who would say that I shouldn’t want to pass on my career dreams to my son.  My parents didn’t even do that for me – since they knew that trucking isn’t an easy business to be in.  Yet, there’s something about wanting to share a dream with your child and seeing them become excited with the same things that interest you.

As parents, we want our children to grow up into healthy, responsible adults.  We want to see them become compassionate individuals who care about others and seek to do their best at serving others.  .

While trucking continues to fascinate me, I’m learning that part of parenting is allowing children to make their own choices.  It doesn’t mean that you don’t offer then advice, but rather, being there for them – coaching and cheering them on so that they will make wise decisions.

Who knows, perhaps one day, I may still end up with trucks.  Perhaps, my son will decide on his own to be a trucker, as well.  But, if none of that happens, then we’ll meet whatever the future holds with excitement knowing that the Creator’s plans are best.

Have a great day!

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

/by

Reflecting on Change

We often take things for granted. People will always be around. Places will never change. It’s as if you and I expect that things will always remain the same.

Yet, transitions are a part of life. In fact, it’s been said that the only constant in life is change.

Take this scene. I was leaving a delivery and was met by the view that’s seen here.

Living in this region for my entire life – more than forty years, I’ve often enjoyed scenes like this. Yet, sometimes they seem to become ordinary as I go from one thing to the next.

The small barn was a central part of some farm at one time. Animals were cared for, crops stored and many conversations were had inside the walls of that old structure.

One can imagine the crops that were raised on those rolling hills. Or, perhaps the dairy cattle in a neighboring pasture bring to mind the countless animals that have grazed in those meadows over the years.

A little church sits out of view to the right of the scene. One can imagine the voices of children playing outside. If you stop long enough, it may almost seem possible to hear hymns coming from that chapel.

If you reflect just a little further, it’s hard to imagine that this area was largely forested just over a couple hundred years ago. This land, once home to the Lenape Delaware, was part of America’s original “western frontier.”

Considering all of this, it’s especially easy to see how often we take the Creator for granted. Just as this scene looks like a patchwork quilt, God is busy sewing every part of our lives together.

In this world that constantly encourages movement, please take a few minutes to stop and reflect. You will likely find a sense of peace as you feel His encouragement.

Have a great day!

“Taste and see that the Lord is good…” – Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

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

/by

If This House Could Talk

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.)

/by

Not Just Another Farm

At first glance, it appears to be just another Amish-owned property. In many ways, it looks like one of the thousands of old farms in the rolling hills of eastern Ohio.

Perhaps, there’s more to this place than what readily appears. As someone who loves history, this farm is something of interest.

Since I was a young boy, I’ve heard the story that this place was once a station on the Underground Railroad. As men, women and children of African heritage escaped the cruel bondage of slavery in the south, homes like this became stopovers for them as they made their ways to safe places in the northern states and Canada.

While this particular location hasn’t been confirmed, it’s very probable since the escape network had other stops in the region. Along the route, these places provided food, lodging and protection to these refugees seeking a better life. The homes along the way were a means for families to show compassion and the love of Christ to those in need.

While a memory of America’s past, this farm is a reminder that we all need help. It’s also helps to underscore the simple truth that God often uses ordinary people to carry out many of His extraordinary blessings and purposes.

Have a great day!

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

/by

Getting Ready for Spring

I had to stop for this tractor and liquid manure spreader recently. It may have cost a minute or two of my time, but the other guy’s safety was well worth it.

What you don’t see is the operator behind his equipment. He was using a push broom to sweep mud off the road that his equipment had brought there. The man was being a good neighbor to those who lived around there.

With spring just around the corner, many farmers have started getting their fields ready for planting. This picture is a great reminder that we need to be careful with the increased activity on many rural roadways.

Perhaps, it may also serve to help us remember to slow down through life in general.

Have a great day!

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

/by

Be Like Maynard

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.)

/by

A Wagon, Corn Cribs and Nostalgia

There’s something about old farm scenes that often capture our attention.  Take this box wagon parked in a shed between two corn cribs.  We can visualize the sweat, toil and long hours that were involved in filling those bins with ear corn. 

Yet, there’s something about this photograph that also gives a sense of peace, quiet and solitude.  It brings backs a sense of nostalgia.  In fact, this picture reminds me of a Currier & Ives painting or a scene from a Hallmark movie.

This picture is a contrast to what most of us know today.  We’re used to the hustle and bustle of modern life, as opposed to being forced to travel at the pace of a team of horses – like the ones that would have been used to pull this wagon.  The picture also reminds us of the time and labor once involved in filling those cribs – especially when we consider how modern equipment handles much larger harvests in the same period of time. 

When I see this photograph, it also reminds me of the effort of many hands, often involving the whole family to harvest a crop.  There’s a sense of unity when we think about the relationships that were built as parents and children worked together. 

Seeing this picture is a reminder that we often need to slow down.  Great relationships and good work ethics are both realized when we take our time and invest in them. 

I’m also reminded of the simplicity and beauty of faith.  It’s in these simple illustrations when I sometimes see some of God’s greatest gifts in a new light.   

Let me encourage you to go for a drive in the country.  You never know what you may find. 

Have a great day!  🙂

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

/by