Tag Archive for: Trucking

Looking Down Your Nose

I was driving down a steep driveway from a delivery when I saw a red barn across the valley in front of me. By road, the old structure was probably more than a mile away. Yet, in a sea of green, it stood out.

From my vantage point in the truck cab, the barn looked closer than it appeared. It definitely made for a unique picture! But, since I was on a steep grade, I didn’t really want to stop there and climb out of the truck for even a few seconds. So, I opted for a photo from behind the steering wheel.

As I was thinking about that view later, I was reminded of how I had looked down my nose – or, rather the truck’s nose to get that shot.

We live in a world where people are often comparing themselves with others. In fact, that’s been the case since Adam and Eve were here with their first two sons, Cain and Abel.

There are so many things that vie to separate us. Yet, God created each of us as equal beings with specific gifts and abilities to meet our individual personalities. The fact that each person is born and will die should be enough to make us acutely aware of our need for a Savior, and keep us humble in our dealings with others.

We really don’t have any reason to compare ourselves with others. This instance, where I looked down and over the nose of my Peterbilt, allowed me to have a unique perspective of the countryside – and of life.

Have a great day!😀

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

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Between the Ditches

You have probably heard someone say “to keep it between the ditches”… or, between the lines. Perhaps, you’ve told someone that, as well.

On many small, rural roads like the one in the picture, it may be hard to always stay inside the lines. This is especially true if you’re driving a large truck or piece of farm equipment. But, keep between the ditches… definitely!

As I look at this picture, I’m reminded of something that I used to hear my Grandfather say. Grandpa said that he paid for both sides of the road – so, he was going to use them. Of course, Grandpa said it in good humor. Driving truck for sixty years, he definitely spent plenty of time driving country roads.

Seriously though, we can learn from narrow roadways.

Lines provide a path to help us move forward. They won’t stop us when we cross over them.

Ditches, however, carry the possibility to stop us. If you have ever slid into a ditch then you understand this truth.

We face many challenges going through life. Each of us have “lines” that help to guide us. Sometimes we stay safely on the road – while we crash at other times.

The Bible talks about how the narrow road leads to eternal life, while the wide road leads to destruction and separation from God. We see evidence of this often in the choices that we make.

Let’s keep it between the lines and ditches – arriving safely at our destination. We don’t want to crash off course and hurt ourselves and others!

Have a great day! 😀

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

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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.)

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