Traveling the Rock Road

Coming off of Thanksgiving, one of America’s most celebrated holidays, I was giving thought to what thankfulness means to this man. Of course it’s always meant a day of incredible food, being with family and then falling asleep in front of the TV watching football. But what do I truly mean when I say “I’m thankful” not just on the holiday, but in everyday life? And specifically how did I come to my position on what thankfulness looks like? Glancing at several online dictionaries, most interpret the word “thanksgiving” the same way: “an expression of thanks,” “a day set apart for giving thanks.” Then my eyes fell on this description: “a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.” Instantly my memory flashed to one person–enter Great Aunt Pearl.

I’ve known my share of folks that were quite content with what they had and their status in life and my beloved Pearly Mae will always be at the top. One day she was a little late getting home from work but when she finally arrived there was a big smile across her face and a bag from the Woolworth’s store in her hands. In the bag was as jigsaw puzzle she laid out a card table for us to work on and announced whenever we completed one she would buy another. She then announced the news that made her so happy; she had been given a raise and was now making a whopping $1.00 an hour! Here well over fifty years later, that doesn’t seem like any amount to get excited about (My grandkids wouldn’t let me get away paying them that low!), but in 1959 that meant she could afford to take care of the bills, buy us that puzzle and put back $5 each week, a practice she never stopped and increased the amount as time went on. Not far from the little home we rented sat an old rundown apartment house that had been vacant for years and looked like it would fall over if a strong wind hit. But Pearl loved place and was excited when it came on the market for the exact of money she could scrape together–$2,500. I wasn’t exceptionally thrilled when we moved into this overgrown dilapidated shack. We started by living in two rooms in the house, and as money became available fixed up the rest as well as cleaning up the yard and making it into a beautiful showcase of flowers. With each improvement Pearl would smile, this dear soul was living the dream. My favorite memory will always be Pearl’s story of the year she raised a large garden but didn’t have the money to purchase preservative for the canning process. After a short time in prayer she began finding money around the house and eventually ended up with enough to purchase what she needed. I still remember her telling me she sat for a time and cried for how rich God had made her with the gift of 30 cents.

It’s easy for me to remember the good things that made Pearl so thankful, but in the midst of those memories are ones that are far from being happy thoughts. For reasons I never understood, this wonderful woman married a man that could only be described as mean and cruel. How could such a saintly woman unite herself with such volatile angry person? Asking her in later years after he passed away, she told me he wasn’t always that way and delighted in telling me memories of their early days together before he changed so harshly. I then asked then why didn’t she leave him then. Pearl gave me several reasons, but the one that stuck with me the most was this, “Without him I would have never become as strong as I am today, and for that I’ll always be thankful to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

When the apostle Paul wrote these words, his audience was one that was being persecuted in many terrible ways. He wasn’t saying, as the song goes, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He was reassuring them that God was still there for them, that there was something better He had for them. Don’t lose hope and don’t give up! Today God is saying the same thing to us. Don’t lose heart, don’t give up and be thankful for all you’ve been blessed with. One writer put it like this; “Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else’s fairy tale.”

It’ll soon be 34 years since Pearly Mae finished her “Travels of the Rock Road,” but her memory, ways, love of life and words will stay with me until I’m called Home. I may not have obtained all my wants, but the dear Lady from West Virginia taught me that God will give me all that I need.

Now who couldn’t be thankful knowing that?

See ya next time.

Back in 1953 a young teenage girl, attractive but impressionable, was swept off her feet by an older man.  This relationship resulted in an unplanned pregnancy, something that a woman-child was not equipped to handle at such a delicate, young age. With the courts stepping in, the expectant mother was sent away to another town until she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  After two weeks the child was taken away to an orphanage which would become her home for 3½ years. I suppose at this point most are feeling sadness at the outcome for the mother and child, but that wasn’t the final chapter; God had a plan for both their lives. The mother grew into a strong and loving individual, raising three more children who deeply adored her, as well as grandchildren that saw as her nothing but the best. She discovered true love with a man and a love and wonderful marriage. The child finally found a permanent home with a devoted and caring couple that not only shared their love with her, but taught her early on of the love of Jesus. As the years went on the child grew into a beautiful intelligent woman filled with compassion and care for all she came in contact with. God also fulfilled her life with a loving husband, three dear children and seven amazing grandchildren. This writer is especially thankful that the Lord preserved this child, for if you haven’t figured it out by now I’m speaking of the love of my life–my Lady!

There’s so much more I could say on the subject, but that’s not the direction I’m going with this story. I will however tell you that the mother and child were reunited some thirty years later and shared a great love and friendship until the mother was called home to be with the Lord. But I’d like to focus today’s story on a certain article; something physical that carries a legacy for Cathy and the journey, the “Travels of the Rock Road” that God has mapped out.

When Cathy was at the orphanage she didn’t have clothes of her own. With so many children at this facility all garments were community objects separated only as boy or girl apparel. You might wear an outfit one day but after it went in the laundry it could go to someone else to wear. When one group of kids outgrew something it would be passed down to the younger wards and so forth. On the day my Lady’s new parents came to take Cathy home they were given a pair of slacks, two shirts, pair of socks and shoes, underwear, and a lovely delicate little blue and white checkered dress. The other clothes would soon wear out, and of course new ones would constantly be added to her wardrobe. But the little dress was special to Cathy’s new mom; it was that constant reminder how God had blessed her and her husband so richly by placing this precious child in their lives. You see, there was a time when they didn’t believe they’d ever have any children. But at the right time the Lord brought a special one into the world that He had picked out, in so doing made all their lives happy and complete. So when Cathy outgrew the dress her mom put it up to keep it safe and in good condition. Occasionally she’s get it out and smile.

When my Lady and I married her mother gave her the dress to someday pass on to her daughter. Then as life at times goes we experienced the same frustration her parents did; it seemed we could not have children. Over the course of six years, try as we may, we could not produce a child. We saw doctors, specialists and even attempted adoption ourselves, all to no avail. Like Cathy’s parents we began to believe God had no plans to put children in our lives; but the journey of the little blue and white dress wasn’t over. December 31, 1979, after nearly a full day of hard labor Jamie Melissa Miller entered the world and our lives. Twenty months later she was joined by her brother Jeremy, and another twenty months, Justin.

Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”

Abraham and Sarah were promised by God that their descendants would be more than the stars in the skies, more than the grains of sand. Even with that oath they weren’t always faithful in trusting God at His word; but that wasn’t the end of the journey. What mattered was God made that promise and wouldn’t go back on His word. When the children of Israel were taken captive and their cities destroyed God told them He would someday restore them and their land. Often it was hard for them to believe that day would ever come, but that wasn’t the end of the journey; God made that promise and wouldn’t go back on His word. A young girl in Bethlehem gave birth to a son that God told her would be the redemption of the world. And 33 years later she watched him die on the cross, but that wasn’t the end of the journey; merely the beginning. I wasn’t there those 60 plus years ago when another young girl gave birth, only this time to a daughter. But I’m betting it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination, knowing this dear soul, that as she watched them take her girl away, not knowing if she’d ever see her again that she closed her eyes and prayed, “God take care of my little girl, and put her with a family that will love her as much as I do.” I believe God honored that girl’s prayer, and the journey was far from over.

Nowadays when I look at the dress and pictures of my Lady, our daughter, and our four granddaughters all wearing it as it has been passed down from one generation to the next, I can’t help but think it all began with a promise God made to a special young girl who put her trust in Him. And God never, never goes back on his promise.

Perhaps the journey of the little blue and white dress is now complete; sixty years and three generations it has made its way “Traveling the Rock Road.” But who can measure how abundant God’s giving is to those to put their trust in Him. Perhaps the journey is still, just beginning.

See ya next time.

My granddaughter, Madison and I were recently riding in my truck listening to the oldies station when one of all-time favorite tunes started playing. “Country Roads, take me to the place I belong, West Virginia.”  She then asks me, “Grandpa, what do you miss most about being a kid and going to West Virginia?” That’s a tough one I had to mull over for a minute; so many wonderful and precious memories come back to mind that’s it’s hard to pick just one. Finally I answered, “I guess one of my fondest memories was the field of family.”  As you can imagine that brought quite the puzzled looked, so I did my best to explain it to her.

As a child my family unit was Ma, my great-aunt and great-uncle. The absence of a father had its difficulties but not having brothers and/or sisters to play with could make life a little lonely. There were children in the neighborhood but I still spent the majority of time alone. When the moments came to visit West Virginia, it was more exciting than going to the beach, Cedar Point or even someplace like Disneyworld!

About a mile out of Rock, West Virginia sat my Great Uncle Dave and Aunt Virgie’s home, a large white house with a porch. There was a huge yard that ran out from the house and down a hill to the household of Great Uncle Sam and Aunt Dorothy who raised six wonderful kids there. During our visits others who lived in the region would come to see us and often relatives from other states would be in at the same time we were. It would be such a grand reunion that came loaded with happiness, smiles, laughter, and oh yeah, the most delicious food you ever tasted this side of heaven! But I think the best moments came when all the children would gather in the yard to run, play games and catch a few lighting bugs as evening set in. I remember Aunt Virgie once telling me there were children from five states playing in her yard; that truly brought her great joy. And words can’t begin to describe what those moments meant to this man as a child. For I remember one time stopping to just look at all the kids playing there with me, for each and every one was a relative. A lonely boy realized he had a family.

Oh, those are such sweet memories that occasionally I love to replay in memory like someone who has a favorite old movie they just have to watch again and again because it makes them happy. But a lot has changed for me since the making of those memories over half a century ago. The first thing that comes to mind is my Lady who God has given me 44 wonderful years of marriage with. In those 44 years, He has multiplied us from 2 to 14. Family.

Dave Willis explains family with this interpretation: “Family isn’t only defined by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s back. It means choosing to love each other even on the days when you struggle to like each other. It means never giving up on each other.”

Over the years many other children have come through our home and have stayed for periods of time, a number of them still refer to us a mom and dad. Family.

God has made me rich with some incredible friends that are as close as brothers and sisters, ones that I can call at a moment’s notice, and they’re there for me. Family

Without a doubt the most precious family I was adopted into was when I became a Believer in Christ Jesus and became a part of the Family of God. Now the Family of God is a term we’ve all heard before; God is our father, and we are his children.

John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”

Ephesians 2:19-22 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by h=His Spirit.”

Romans 8:17 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”

God is saying “I’ve already accepted you, all you have to do now is accept me and join the Family.”

And I’ll be the first to say here we don’t always act like it. We fight, bicker, disagree and even shun each other from time to time. (Hmm, maybe that does sound like family. Never mind!) But that doesn’t deter the love of the Father for each of us. So, we keep striving to show each other that family love and hopefully others will then want to be family, too. Amen?!!

Many years have passed since this “Traveler of Rock Road” has played on the Field of Family there where I felt so much love. I still occasionally visit that region just to drive by and remember. But I also am reminded that my Family Field is now worldwide, most I’ve never met and won’t until we get to Heaven and unite as Brothers and Sisters before our loving and proud Father. Who knows, maybe they’ll even be occasions to run out and see who can catch the most lighting bugs!

See ya next time.

In the summer of ’71, on an evening when my band was performing at a wedding reception I happened to lay eyes on the prettiest girl I had ever seen, and you better believe I made my move first chance I could. It was a short moment between the two of us, but something special began that evening. After she left the reception, I asked a friend about her and was informed she already had a guy. Second place, well bummer!

Some five months later we reconnected which made me very happy. I wanted to spend every minute with her, but that wasn’t to be. Her parents were good people but they were strict on what they would allow their daughter to do and not do. The biggest restriction was going to dances and parties that I was playing at; they disapproved highly and she would not be allowed to go. Being of the juvenile mindset I had at that age there were numerous times I tried to talk her into sneaking out to be with me, alas she would not have that. As much as she cared for me she cared for her parents more and would not go against her wishes. Second place again. Well Shoot!!

A while later her old boyfriend was coming home from serving in the military and she informed me he was going to make his pitch for them getting back together. I confess I was nervous and wasn’t sure where I would stand after the visit.  Words can’t describe the jubilation that went on in my heart when she sent him packing, telling him it was me she now wanted to be with. Alright! Finally! I’m #1! I’m #1!

Two years from the date we officially started dating she walked down the aisle of a small church in Fremont, Ohio on the arm of her father, to my waiting arms and became Mrs. Cathy Miller. What an incredible day for both of us. It was now official; no more worries of being 2^nd in her life. I would always be her primary love. Well, at least I thought that’s how it worked. But then reality revealed that once again I took the #2 position of importance in her life; well for a while I was confused, even angry. That is until I came to the understanding being #2 gave me more love than I deserved from the greatest gal God could have put in my life. Let me explain.

We had both given our lives to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; it was very important that we begin our marriage proclaiming our love and devotion for Him. But in my way of thinking that was only of the spiritual nature–going to church, praying, reading the Bible and trying to do His will. Physical, mental and emotional love were solely meant for the one He picked to be my helpmeet. And by making her #1, I was showing my love to God; that’s just how it should be the way I thought. But as time went on I came to realize that wasn’t it.

I won’t give you a complete run down of the years we’ve been together; I’ve actually done that already in previous writings. But there have been times of complete disillusionment in God, nearly to the point of rejecting Him in my life. But let there be no doubt that because of Cathy’s #1 love for her Lord, standing firm that He was still caring for us, I came to see and understand that also. Maybe I was ready to give up, but she could not and would not forsake her first love. In holding firm to that position, she demonstrated the incredible love she had for me; that taught me being each other’s #2 love was the most tremendous relationship a couple could ever have.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

My Lady came to know her first Love when she was four years old, and even at that young age she knew that Love would never let her down, never fail her even in the hard times. And she made a promise that He would always be her first Love. Without her example and committed love to God, the life we share would not be what it is today–full, Complete, Awesome! As someone once said, “If you neglect your first love, you inevitably neglect your second.” Or as another said, “Marriage is an ongoing and vivid illustration of what it costs to love an imperfect person unconditionally, just as Christ has loved us.” Case in point, John 3:16.

This Friday these two “Travelers of the Rock Road” God brought together for a brief moment in 1971 will celebrate 44 years of marriage. What an incredible journey it has been! All because of being each other’s Second Place Love. Too Awesome!
See ya next time.

During a conversation with a dear friend who is not a believer in God or Christ he asked a very good question. “John, often I’ve been asked why I’ve never believed in God in 70 years of life. Let me ask you something; what has kept you believing all these years?” I’m sure some of my Christian brothers and sisters would say that’s an easy one and fire back with scripture to defend the position of their belief. That’s all well and good but truthfully, I’ve seen a good share stop believing when some type of catastrophe invades their lives. I’ve also witnessed those who fall away (And I was there for a season), but return to trusting God. Then of course there are the steady ones that no matter what comes they proclaim, “I will trust my Lord and my God!” I paused for a moment before answering my friend because frankly I didn’t know exactly what to say. But when I opened my mouth three words came out, “Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness.” I then followed up with “And the love of a Father that never ends.” He seemed satisfied with my answer and we moved on to other subjects. But for days after I questioned why I had answered the way I did and what did it really mean, to me.

When I was boy Ma and I were in Maryland and had little money. She talked a kindly elderly woman into letting us use the apartment over her garage until mom could get a job. This dear saint was more than glad and watched me when Ma did find work. Down the street was a corner market that let us have food under the same conditions as the lady with the apartment. Mom didn’t make much money but she always gave the two something to pay down our indebtedness. The time came when we moved to Ohio and mom promised she would send money to both as soon as she could. Each said about the same thing, “You proved yourself trustworthy, your debt it paid in full.”

Ephesians 2:8  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” – Grace.

When I was 16 I got into some trouble so serious that I was locked up in the county jail for a weekend. The seriousness of the crime was so high, I knew I was going to be sent off to a juvenile detention center. That Sunday morning a police officer that was a friend to the family came, got me out of jail, took me to breakfast and had a long and hard talk with me. He then drove me home with a warning not to let this happen again.

Hebrew 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” – Mercy.

This might be my favorite example. Cathy and I had gotten into a business venture so bad it wiped us out financially, left us in debt to many with the biggest being, everyone’s friend, the IRS! They went as far as freezing all our assets if we did not come up with the money we owed. After I paid that amount we were assessed with fines and levies that far exceeded the first amount. Not knowing what to do, I wrote a letter to them that went something like this. “You are right, I am guilty of not paying you and the only excuse I have is my own stupidity! I will make every effort to pay you and never make such a boneheaded mistake again. I only ask that you please set a payment plan we can work with it.” I never saw or talked to anyone after that point, but later I had vision of someone in the office there reading my letter, then passing it around to other saying, “Hey you gotta check this guy out, this is totally a first!” It was two weeks before that ominous envelope from the IRS arrived. With shaking hands we opened it. Inside was the bill for what we owed them–$0.00!!!

Micah 7:18 “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” – Forgiveness.

As you can clearly see each works in conjunction with the others: Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness hand in hand not because of what I’ve done, but because of the love the Heavenly Father has for me and you. That’s the kicker. Amen?!!

Well I totally went in a different direction than what I had planned to for Traveling the Rock Road.” But this has been heavy on my heart, and I believe it’s good for all who call themselves Believers to be able at any moment to state why they believe. For any Christians I have challenged to clearly define what keeps you believing, well.  Amen. For any who don’t believe but possibly I’ve given them reasons to at least take a look at the love of God that comes through Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, then my message to you would be straight and simple.

AWESOME!!!!!

See ya next time.

Back around 1977 a movie about two free-spirited, renegade truckers was released. The storyline was they had to drive to Colorado, pick up a load of beer and bring it back to Texas in a certain amount of time. One drove a hot Trans Am out ahead of the truck to watch out for Smokies (Police Officers) as they raced across the states at neck break speeds. By now I’m sure you’ve figured out I’m revering to “Smokey and the Bandit.” Well the movie was a box-office hit, but it was also the starting point of a craze that swept the country. The two stars communicated with CB radios using all the jargon and slang that truckers were known for. “What’s your 20? You got your ears on? 10-4 good buddy,” etc. Within the course of a year sales of CBs for cars and home skyrocketed. Millions began conversing with friends and strangers all across the country. The airwaves became so packed with users the FCC changed regulations allowing radios to carry 40 channels instead of 23. Nearly every person I knew had CBs, and yes, I was guilty as anyone having one of the squawk boxes in my van; which brings us to my story.

Back in the early years of my Lady’s and my marriage we’d often travel to my birth-state of West Virginia to visit family and take in the grandeur of the mountains. Being a night person, I preferred to start out in the evening and arrive the next morning. Cathy would go to sleep and I’d be left with my thoughts, the radio, and the CB. I seldom spoke on that contraption since I didn’t understand half the lingo that was being used, so I would just listen, and often wonder what the folks broadcasting on airwaves were really like in their day to day routine. The best profile of one of these individuals ever to capture my imagination was a CBer in Charleston, West Virginia that called himself “Grandpaw Harry.” You could tell he was an elderly man and that the expressions of his words fit his handle to a T.

I was about halfway through the city on 77, daylight was still an hour away and the highway was busy with morning commuters when his voice came through my speakers clear as a bell. “Good morning to all my friends out there! “Grandpaw Harry here wishing you a safe and happy day; don’t forget to smile!” As tired as I felt, his words gave me a better pick-me-up than a cup of coffee. I was about to pick up the mic and tell him thank you for making my day so early when another voice, with much less of a cheering attitude came blasting through. “Hey you old goat, is that all you have to do, get on the radio so people can hear how crazy you are. You must have escaped when they left the door to the mental hospital unlocked!” I’m not a person who’s taken to road rage but at that second had I been able to locate this killjoy, well let’s just say the arrival time to our destination would have been postponed! Now there was silence coming from the radio, that is, until an upset lady let it fly.  “Why you stinkin sourpuss! How dare you belittle him for wanting to spread a little joy. Crawl back under your rock and leave the good people alone!” She followed up with, “Grandpaw Harry, thank you for every morning having something nice to say, it means so much!” Another person came on, “Grandpaw, you are a vision of what all of us should try to be; thank you!” This was followed by at least half of dozen more voicing their support for Grandpaw and his cheerful words. Killjoy never came back on the radio and for a long moment neither did Harry. Then, out of silence there Grandpaw was again, and this time he was singing. “Let me call you sweetheart I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me too. Keep the love light glowing in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart I’m in love with you.” Oh my! Ma use to sing that song to me when I was a little boy, and hearing him sing it made my heart want to jump out of my chest in joy. After many spoke love felt accolades to Grandpaw Harry, he came back on the CB. “Thank you all, it’s such a joy to know I have wonderful friends out there. I’ll be back tomorrow morning; be safe, have a happy day and don’t forget to smile.” Don’t forget to smile?!! I don’t think my face would have stopped grinning if you would have hit me with a bat!!

“Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life.” I drew a picture in my mind of Harry, someone who possibly doesn’t get around well anymore. All his life he’s been a person everyone likes because of his attitude. A man that goes out of his way to bring a little cheer to all he meets. Maybe he can no longer physically go out to greet others, so he uses this new avenue to spread his message of cheer. It makes me wonder if God brought the CB craze along just at the right moment for tired, early morning travelers around Charleston, West Virginia to have their day perked up a touch by Grandpaw Harry, still spreading joy and happiness.

Over my lifetime I’ve met my share of people that have rejected God because they feel there’s just no fun, no joy in being a follower of Christ. I don’t know anyplace I have had the freedom, joy, and laughter as I have found since becoming a believer. Trust me when I say He wants us to be more like Grandpaw Harry, than old Mr. Killjoy.

John 11:15: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”                                                            Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Does that mean life is always great and you’ll never be sad or downhearted? Nope! It means you don’t have to stay in that condition. There will always be something that God brings your way to give you hope and joy, and then the power and ability to pass it to others. As I like to say, give it a go!

Well in a few short years the CB craze died down which I’m sure truckers, police and emergency workers were thankful for. And I never did hear from Grandpaw Harry again; by now I’m sure this happy, joy spreading “Traveler of the Rock Road” has left this world. But who knows, maybe someday when I get to Heaven and I’m boppin’ down Eternity Ave, perhaps getting ready to duck into the Celestial Coffee Shop there might be someone sitting on a street bench made of gold, crooning an old tune. “Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you.”  Hey! Grandpaw Harry! My Man!!!

See ya next time.

I had to wonder for a moment when this man I barely recognized climbed in my car. But as soon as he spoke I knew it was my old friend, Al. The person I remembered was well groomed, always neat in appearance and had a body rippling with muscles. Here now was someone thin, frail, sporting a shaggy head of hair totally unkempt, dressed in shirt and pants that looked like he hadn’t changed in days. Still it was good to see him again since I had thought of him often and made numerous attempts over the years to locate his whereabouts, all to no avail. It was as if he had dropped off the face of the earth. When I finally track him down doubts still lingered that I’d get to see him. Talking on the phone he expressed surprise to even hear from me since no one had checked on him in years. “John, I’d love to see you, but call again tomorrow and I’ll tell you if I feel like getting out.” Thankfully he did agree the next day and I took him out to lunch. Al had been one of the best and brightest keyboard players Illinois had to offer. He said it had been years since he sat at a piano and even if he did there was little memory of the many songs he once knew by heart. Not wanting to concentrate a lot on the present, we spent most of the next two hours talking about the old days, friends we shared and anything else that brought smiles and laughter, something I was pretty sure he hadn’t done for a long time.  As our time of reliving the past began to wind down, Al opened more of who he was now. He referred to himself as a zealous misanthrope; that’s defines an individual who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. He was living off the grid; no computer, no smart phone, no TV and only a minute knowledge of anything going on in the world. He had a small apartment where the majority of his day was spent, venturing out mostly after dark. “Dude,” I finally said, “That’s not the Al I knew. People used to be around you all the time because of your positive attitude. You were fun, what happened?” He answered. “People let you down, and when more and more do it you realize that you can’t trust anyone. Society teaches you to take care of yourself first, even at the cost of hurting others. Religion, government, everybody and everything are only in it for themselves and I couldn’t take it anymore. I may be alone, but at least now I’m not getting hurt.” Of course I had all the reasons why he was wrong and needed to get back to living life again, but I also realized something else. All I had to say was meaningless to Al; this wasn’t a difference in opinion, this was a matter of the heart.

I once read this quote and kept it around possibly for a moment like this. ““Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it’s not because they enjoy solitude. It’s because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.”

I must admit, there’s a lot of truth in Al’s position. Government, politics, religion and people can and do let you down; all you have to do is watch a news program to draw that conclusion. And I know numerous that share Al’s dismal outlook. Shoot, there was time out of frustration I could have landed in an apartment across the hall hiding out from disappointments right along with him! But through all the down moments I’ve experienced, one truth comes forth out of the darkness; my Lord and my God are still there for me, and His love never fails.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These verses have been my strength and hope at those dismals times when I saw the world in complete negativity. Thankfully, I “HAVE” found Someone who is always there.

So what do we do with all the problems, all the pain and let downs that are out there in the world? Well, as I’ve said often, I’m not a religious man, but one of faith; and that faith says this, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” I tried to avoid talking about all the bad stuff. That’s not saying I ignore it but rather I’d prefer to concentrate on where I find peace, hope and solutions.

What else can we do? The Bible says, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” that’s a tough one, huh? I found life is better when I use this approach over fighting hate with hate.

C.S. Lewis: “If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them” Friends, all I can tell you is give it a whirl, I don’t know what it will do to ones that have wronged you, but I believe you’re going to be pleasantly surprised what it will do for you.

The 3^rd point I’d like to offer is the toughest for many of us. One of my favorite bands from the 60s was the MC5. Before one concert, lead singer Rob Tyner voiced this question, “Are you going to be part of the problem, or are you going to be part of the solution?!!” I’m highly privileged to know people that have dedicated their lives to being a part of the solution. In the Central African Republican, Laos, Thailand, Syria, many places in Europe and Latin America they bring relief with medical supplies, food and whatever aid they can give. Yes, Christians, but they’re not walking around telling people they need Jesus, they’re showing the love of Jesus with their actions. Here in the good old United States, countless people are working feverously to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. That’s called an action of love. That’s called being part of the solution. If you never have before, you’d be amazed how great it feels to be one of those, even if it’s just a small part of helping others. You know it can be as simple as being a friend to someone who really needs one. You may not agree with me and that’s fine, but I firmly believe that’s how you deal with hurt, pain and disappointment; not by being an isolationist. Just sayin!

When Al, the latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” to cross my path, exited the car to retreat back into his closed off world, he turned and said, “I had a great time and I’d like to talk with you more. Can we get together again?”

Hmm, let’s see, he’s a hundred miles away, life is busy right now and there’s the chance that when I get over there, he’ll change his mind and turn me away. Do I really want to take the risk?

Hey, do you even have to guess?!!
See ya next time.

I can understand the people’s skepticism; opening the door on a dark October night to see two teenage boys standing there, one holding a plain brown paper bag, “Trick or Treat!” It goes without saying we got a lot looks from people seeing we were over the normal age of youngsters going door to door for Halloween candy; I’m guessing being donned in regular street clothes and not costumes didn’t help our case either. I’d say one in four closed the door in our faces sending us away empty handed, still by the end of the night we had a pretty good haul and happy with our efforts. But the candy wasn’t for us so let me explain.

When my friend Larry called to ask if I wanted to go trick or treating with him, I thought he was joking. At our age Halloween was more for going to a teen party or something more mischievous like decorating someone’s house and yard with rolls of TP. Larry, though, was on another mission. His little sister was home sick and wouldn’t be able to go out and collect candy. She had talked excitedly about this night for two weeks; now all she could do was lay in bed with her costume and be sad at her situation. “I feel so bad for her, so I’m going to go around collecting candy to give her when I get back home. Really didn’t want to do it by myself, would you mind going with me?” Oh, what the heck. I didn’t have anything planned that important, and I guess all the rolls of TP I had hidden could be put to better use!

The first house we visited gave a taste of what was ahead. The woman at the door looked on us suspiciously as Larry told why we were doing this; rather reluctantly she dropped a couple of pieces of candy in the bag; we thanked her and moved on. We met numerous with the same reaction as Larry explained his reason at each place we stopped. There were a couple of places that gave looks that said, “Yeah, right, sure you are!” and then closed the door leaving us empty handed. Surprisingly there were quite a number of folks that not only believed the story they complimented Larry on what he was doing for his little sister, some even threw extra goodies in the bag. Even though my role was just to be a tagalong, I was proud to be there to see those positive responses and even more proud of my friend, Larry. Seeing the smile on his face told me his heart and mind were back at his house with a little girl lying in a sickbed dressed as a fairy princess.

The evening was cold and it felt like we walked ten miles, so I was glad when we called it a night and headed back  to his place. There was no reason for me to go in. We said our goodbyes as I watched him walk up the steps to his porch and disappear into the house. Before turning to head home I noticed a light come on in a backroom and I could see Larry’s silhouette through the drawn shades. Reaching down he was handing his sister the bag of candy. Only a few short seconds and a little fairy princess was bounding up on the bed and jumping into Larry’s arms. Three words kept circling in my mind as I made the trek home, “Yeah, that’s love.”

Mother Teresa once said, “Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” I imagine they could have bought her a bag of candy, or the other kids in the family that went our trick or treating probably would have shared their take with her. Larry wanted to do something more, not because he took pity on her at being sick, but out of love for his little sister. As the saying goes, “Larry, you had one job to do, and you nailed it!”

I haven’t seen Larry now in 40 years, and I wouldn’t know his baby sister if she passed me on the street. But their memory came flooding back to me this week and I wanted to get it down before it was gone again. To let you in on a little secret many of my stories are written like that. So when this happens, I generally ask God if there’s some reason for the memory and mostly the answer is yes. In the matter of Larry and the Little Princess, I see it as a reminder not only to tell others that I love them, but to show them that love. Not to blow my own horn; but I do this often with my family and some close friends and it truly does bring me enjoyment.

Recent events with the hurricanes have left hurting and caring for people I don’t even know in places like Texas, Florida, the Virgin Island, Puerto Rico along with other Caribbean Islands. I’ve been praying for these dear souls constantly, but I’ve been left with the question of what else can I do to show I care, to show I love them. Thankfully the Good Lord has opened doors for my Lady and me to do a little more, contribute in some way. I could tell how but that’s something I believe each must search for themselves. I hope and pray each will give this consideration.

My friend Larry and fellow “Traveler of the Rock Road” will never know how much his act of love touched my heart, and that’s okay. But I believe God orchestrated that moment for a dual purpose. First of course, for Larry to show his love for this sister; the second to be a reminder, to me, of what it means to be a follower of Christ which I’ll leave you with by citing two verses, simple but rich in meaning.

Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 “Do everything in love.”

See ya next time.

Cindy dearly loved her father, Jack; he was understanding, always happy, calm in his demeanor, a loving parent and husband, and a good Christian man who told her often about the love of Christ. If she had any problem with her dad it was the fact that he never got angry, no matter what anyone said or did to him. If they had bad service at a restaurant he’d make excuses for the waitress, “They must be really busy or she probably has a lot on her mind tonight.” If they were in the car and another driver honked their horn and yelled something hateful Jack would smile, wave and even say, “Sorry” whether he was in the wrong or not. The only place his patience would get a little thin would be at his job. Jack worked in a factory on a production line with a group of hard talking men that enjoyed riding him knowing he wouldn’t ever say anything back. One in particular, Ben, seemed to make it his life ambition to ride Jack just as hard as he could every day. He’d yell at him, do things to make Jack’s job harder plus make him the brunt of every joke that came out of his mouth. Cindy’s dad would take it in stride saying, “We work hard and put in longs hours; they don’t mean any harm, it’s just Ben and the guys way of blowing off steam.”

Then came the day Jack did something that shocked everyone including himself. Toward the end of a long and hard 12-hour shift with Ben constantly belittling him, he had finally taken all he could. Dropping his tools on the shop floor Jack walked up to Ben, grabbed him by the shirt and yelled in his face, “I Hate you! Don’t you ever talk to me again!” Giving Ben a shove he walked back to his workstation, with complete silence from his coworkers the rest of the day. Arriving home his wife could tell something was wrong. He told her what had happened and how terrible he felt for losing his temper. His wife told him it wasn’t his fault and Ben had it coming. But Jack didn’t see it that way and knew what he had to do. Arriving at work the next day he walked up to Ben and told him how sorry he was for his actions. Most men would have accepted the apology, understood what led up to that altercation, but not old Ben. With his speech laced with obscenities he told Jack how worthless he was, he never liked him and he was more than happy never talk to him again. The rest of the guys eased up after that day and it made Jack’s job much easier. But Ben remained bitter; he not only wouldn’t talk to Jack but stopped talking to everyone on the production floor. If they wouldn’t take his side then he didn’t see any of them as friends.  Jack tried again and again to make things right, but Ben always refused. A few years later Ben retired but didn’t let anyone know about it until he was gone. The crew said it was good he was gone since he and his sour attitude were gone, but Jack was saddened that Ben was gone without their making amends. He had never had someone hate him and couldn’t get past it. He still hoped and prayed that maybe someday the two of them could make things right. That chance would come a year later.

Cindy speaking, “I was grown and had moved out but was at the house the day my dad got the call; I knew it serious from the look on his face. It was one of his coworkers letting him know Ben was in the hospital with late stage cancer and wasn’t expected to live long. He said, I’m going to go see Ben, mom’s not home, would you go with me? I didn’t want to, but there was no way I was going to say no. We drove an hour to the cancer hospital, Ben was lying in the bed and I could tell he was struggling. Dad walked over to the bed, took him by the hand and said, Ben, it’s me, Jack. Ben looked up and immediately started crying.”

“Jack, I’m sorry for the way I treated you, I think I was jealous of the man you were, but didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Dad stopped him. No Ben, I’m the one who is sorry. You rode me hard, but you made me better at my job, I learned a lot from you. You were my hero, but I never got the chance to tell you, because of my hateful words, and I hope you can forgive me.”  Now there were tears coming from both these hardened blue collar workers, even more when they embraced.  I left the room so he couldn’t see my face was a mess from crying also. When he came out into the hallway way I’ll never forget what he said to me, “He had been my enemy and he needed to hear those words from me.”

Jack saw the problem he had with Ben as a failure, not only to himself but to God. His heart told him at some point he would have to try to make IT right, and if that attempt failed he had to keep trying.             C.S. Lewis said, “You must ask for God’s help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again.”

Jack equated this to his relationship with Ben and the need to make things right, if not for himself then in the name of his Lord.

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

For the next 9 days Jack visited Ben each day, and they laughed, smiled, and talked like old friends; his prayer had been answered. Still he had another prayer that concerned Ben, a bigger one he hoped desperately would be answered before it was too late.

On a Thursday morning, Ben passed away. But on the previous Tuesday, his now best friend in the entire world, led this “Traveler of Rock Road,” on the path the leads to Heaven.

Titus 3:3-5 says, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

I imagine there’s more I could tell about Cindy’s dad, Jack and his friend Ben, but I think I’ll just leave it here for you to ponder. I know it got this man thinking.

See ya next time.

Seeing that this is Labor Day, my Lady and I are taking some time for ourselves, so I’m not writing my usual story. But I came across this video of a man who instantly became one of my heroes, a fellow “Traveler of the Rock Road.” Oh, to have this man’s attitude in life and all that we’re called to do humbles me, for I realize I do not measure up to what God says in his Word with, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Take a moment please to meet this man; I believe you will be blessed and challenged in the same way I was.

A Happy Labor Day to you and your Loved Ones!