Traveling the Rock Road

Last month my Lady and I took a trip down to French Lick, Indiana to spend a few days of R&R. The town was quaint and relaxed with several artist shops and eateries serving a delicious array of entrees both foreign and domestic. There are two large hotels with some fabulous architecture worth seeing, each with casinos for those looking for a little game of chance. (Not my thing but good look to the ones that it is. Just be careful and be smart!) But what French Lick is known for best is really why we came there; to ride the old trains on tours through the scenic countryside which allows one to take in close up the beautiful and panoramic view of the hills in the region vivid in the colors of Fall foliage. Unfortunately, we disregarded checking what lines might be running, and upon arrival found out the only tour available was the “Polar Express.” This little excursion was adapted from the book and movie of the same name.  Children, as well as some of the parents, came dressed in pajamas just like in the story, hearts excited on what they would see and hear upon boarding train cars each beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations. Well, we didn’t have our PJs with us, and we didn’t come all this way to turn around and go home. Besides, who’s gonna turn down an opportunity to see the big guy in the red suit? “All Aboard the Polar Express?”

In each car was a man dressed as a conductor, walking up and down the aisle reading aloud (lip-syncing) from the fabled book the grand story we were now living out. When he finished they passed out hot cocoa and cookies, then two young ladies dressed as elves entertained in song, dance and leading everyone in familiar Christmas carols. My plan during all this was to stare out the window and take in the sights I had come to see. Instead my attention was drawn to a small heading bobbing up and down in the seat directly in front of me. The little cutie you see in the picture had come with her mom and grandmother and was bouncing vigorously unable to control her excitement on what was going on before her. Eyes shimmering, large as saucers and a smile from ear to ear proclaiming all the joy she was feeling during this event. The elves got the children out in the aisle way to help on several songs; some were too shy, but not Little Miss Starshine; she was right out there, singing, dancing, marching, fully enraptured into a character in the story. Finally, the moment came that every child had waited for. We pulled in the area designed and decorated as the North Pole. And there waving; Santa! The train continued and passed until finally coming to a stop, then reversing and going back the way we came. Santa was no longer standing at the North Pole. Where was he? Was that it? I thought this is a little disappointing if the kids don’t get to meet the old dude. But then, the door to our car opened, and with small gasps and shill screams filling the air at the sight, there  stood Santa Claus! The children were beyond themselves with excitement as he made his way to each one, sitting them on his knee and talking. But Little Miss Starshine was now still, not moving, just staring as he made his way closer to her. When her turn came she slowly moved toward Santa, sat on his knee, still quiet but with eyes bright as stars on a clear summer’s night, overwhelmed in joy and happiness. The was no reason for words. Everything else up to that moment had been nice and fun, but here was the real reason she came. Here was the one the hoped and believed she would see and be with it. Here was Santa!

“Childlike faith along with a childlike love are an open road to God’s Heart.” Little Miss Starshine reminded me of when I was a child and believed the people closest to me were the greatest in the world, that they could do no wrong, that their love for me was endless and life would always be good. As I grew older and began to experience disappointments, I became more skeptical. My heart began to harden and the question came of whether I could ever trust in anyone or anything.  Even when I first took a serious look at God I had reservations as to whether He could actually love me or not. I could tell you that through years of studying the Bible, praying, learning from others and believing in the love of my Lord, I have come to where my faith is today. But that’s not the end. I would be omitting some of my best mentors in faith, such as Little Miss Starshine if I stopped there. Childlike faith doesn’t question, does not give consideration as to whether something is true or not, it believes and loves unconditionally; that’s what God wants from us. For that is what He gives in return.

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” It starts with us, parents, grandparents showing our children love and faith. Even if we’ve haven’t done that in a long time it’s never too late to capture that childlike faith. Jesus said “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, “Just trust and believe in Me for my love for you is never ending.”

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you still have problems believing, well look around, God has given us many examples from which to learn. They may be a little small, perhaps a little loud at times, but still great teachers of Childlike Faith.

Occasionally I’ll pull up the picture of this latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” and smile as I remember her thinking to myself, Lord, everything up to this moment had been nice, but you’re the real reason I believe and I wait. I yearn for the day I see you!”

Merry Christmas Friends and Family.

And a Special Merry Christmas to Little Miss Starshine. Thank you for being an example to the Gray One.  🙂

See ya next time.