Traveling the Rock Road

Yesterday on the Blue Ridge Parkway we met this young couple, Addison and Jahnavi. They had left Vermont earlier with their bicycles loaded to the hilt plus one of those pull behind child carriers for their dog “Zoso.”  A wonderfully pleasant couple who we found some similar ground with, biking of course; but both were musicians and were heading to Austin in hopes of finding work in the music industry there.  Being young and adventurous, they weren’t interested in a long mundane drive to their new home; they wanted a chance to see America, to meet new people, and to build memories.  At the point our paths crossed they still had two months to reach their destination, but were still upbeat about finishing the task they set ahead of them.

These two modern-day pioneers touched my heart in the time we spent together, two young people who have a dream and chose to pursue to it no matter how tough the road ahead was; Awesome!

As a Christian they certainly challenged my heart, how often have I given up or not tried at all because I saw the task too hard to accomplish.

James, the half brother of Jesus said it like this, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

This day I’m inspired by my Lord and two young “Travelers of the Rock Road,” to be excited about what lies ahead, not knowing exactly all I’ll encounter on the path I choose, but sure that the end result is well worth the challenge to get there.

Addison and Jahnavi probably didn’t know they were used by my Lord to motivate the Gray One; the important thing is I did. After we gave them bracelets that said “Blessed,” they allowed us to pray for them and we departed.

I don’t know if our paths will ever cross again but, I thank God that they did.  And I would like to do a shout out to the good people of Austin, Texas; if you see a young couple riding bikes loaded like Conestoga Wagons, pulling a child carrier with a pooch named Zoso in it, give them a hand getting settled in your community.  When it comes to young folks with perseverance and motivation; your gain is Vermont’s loss!