Traveling the Rock Road

40 years ago that I was still pursuing the dream of being a musician, whether it was rock n roll, country or whatever made no difference. I only knew my 15 minutes of fame came too quickly and was gone even faster and I wanted another shot only this time permanent and not a fleeting moment. I also knew that if I had any chance whatsoever of realizing my dream it wouldn’t be done in small-town Ohio. I also knew my talents were going to have to improve greatly if I had any chance at all. So that is how I moved to small-town Indiana, to study under an incredible musician, and then move on to live permanently in L.A., or perhaps Nashville; anyplace where music was the prominent industry.

Before my Lady and I made the moved we needed extra money for all the expenses that would be incurred. And the fastest place to make the kind of money I would need was at the local foundry back in Fremont. I went there not knowing what was in store and brother, did I ever get an education. The work was hard, fast-paced, hot and dirty and I thought after the first day I’d never make it. As a matter of fact the three guys I hired in with all quit within the first week. But I continued on that summer and when it was over I made myself a vow I’d never step foot in a foundry again!!! BTW, how many of you know what my regular occupation is? Okay we’ll get to that in a minute.

For the ones of you who know me, or that have read earlier issues of “Traveling the Rock Road” you already know that my dreams of stardom never materialized, so I really don’t want to get into that subject matter. Rather I’d like to discuss what happened instead. You see, some would conclude my plans and even my life was a failure since I did not reach my goal. In actuality I consider where I am a complete success; not of my plan, but of God’s.

During those early days of plotting out my life direction I was a Christ follower, but that didn’t necessarily mean I always followed His will. Matter of fact I can’t remember even one time I prayed to the Lord about my want and desire to be a musician. And I don’t believe He hindered my progress in pursuing my goal. I think it’s more like Him saying; “So you think you got a plan and you don’t need me to be a part of it, huh? Hey more power to you; but when you’re ready to talk about your future, I’ll be right here for you.”

And so the struggle went, and over the last 40 years there have been times I’ve felt like Moses, thinking I was doing the right thing only to find myself in a proverbial desert at first hiding out, but then later learning God’s will, God’s “better plan” for my life.

Here are a couple of quotes that say it well;

“God’s plan is always the best. Sometimes the process is painful and hard. But don’t forget that when God is silent, He’s doing something for you.”

And

“As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.”

First let me say it “was” God’s will that I leave my hometown, for I needed to leave the old behind. It “was” God’s will for me to study music, not for my use but for His.

It “was” God’s will that I live in a desert-like attitude for awhile; until I could finally see this is where I was meant to be all along and it’s a beautiful place to be!

“Hey Moses, me and you babe!” Okay, and probably a number of you that are reading this can identify with this also.

Many of us know this passage but let’s say it anyway:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

This portion of “Traveling the Rock Road” is not the way I planned, but it’s the way God did, and when it’s all said and done that’s okay with me.

In less than 3 months this 40 year trek takes a turn when I retire from my “tent making” profession as I call it, to pursue, well whatever and wherever God wants me.

As the words of a song one of my best friends wrote, and as Moses probably said in his own way, “Lead on Exodus Road!”

BTW the way, that vow I made in small-town Ohio never to step foot in a foundry again? Well guess where I’m retiring from in small-town Indiana?!!  And I thank my Lord for every minute I’ve spent there, and every person He put me in contact with.  What an incredible journey, and what in incredible plan God had for me.  As I begin whatever He has for me next, I am excited with anticipation to see where He leads.

So once again, “Lead on Exodus Road!”

See you next time.