Traveling the Rock Road

Cathy and I just celebrated our anniversary, 43^rd to be exact. And I’m happy to claim with each year the love I have for the one I call My Lady grows stronger. But also, every year when this moment comes around I remember 3 little words that a few acquaintances and even family members said about our marriage. “It’ll never last.”

You see the two of us started out with more differences than a-likes when we first came together. Cath was raised in a strong Christian family growing up going to church every time they opened the doors. I came to a saving knowledge of the Lord later in life; before that I went to church sporadically and truthfully was quite confused on what I believed. Her life was disciplined with rules on conduct, where she could go, what she could do and who she could see. Mine, well being raised by a single parent gave me lots of time to do whatever I wanted, even moving out on my own when I was 16. Probably the biggest difference was each of our reputations; my Lady was seen as a good girl with high morals and a passion to do right especially to her parents and her Lord. I was seen as having a bad attitude, quick temper, foul mouth, and perhaps not the best to leave your daughter alone with. So when we began dating the skeptics figured it wouldn’t last long, too many differences to stay together. When we married I thought the doubters would now accept our love and commitment for each other; that was not to be the case.

Perhaps the saddest part is how well we proved them right in the beginning; dating was one thing but making a life together in marriage definitely had its quirks. There were fights, there were times of not speaking to each other, simple discussions or decisions would end up in a yelling match.  The thoughts would creep in, were they right about how wrong we were for each other? From the world’s position the answer is yes. But not to God.

There were several things Cathy and I were going to have learn if our marriage ever going to make it. Our marriage was something God wanted to see succeed.

“God created marriage. No government subcommittee envisioned it. No social organization developed it. Marriage was conceived and born in the mind of God.”  ~ Max Lucado 

God not only meant us to be lovers, he meant us to be the best of friends.

“There is no more lovely, friendly or charming relationship, communion or company, than a good marriage.”  ~ Martin Luther

When God said the two shall be as one; He didn’t say it as a good idea for a successful marriage, He meant it as survival of the two together.

“A married person does not live in isolation. He or she has made a promise, a pledge, a vow, to another person. Until that vow is fulfilled and the promise is kept, the individual is in debt to his marriage partner. That is what he owes. “You owe it to yourself” is not a valid excuse for breaking a marriage vow but a creed of selfishness.” ~ R.C. Sproul

When we learned one of the most valuable lessons it strengthened our marriage beyond anything it had ever been before; that is to love God first.

“To encounter Christ is to touch reality and experience transcendence. He gives us a sense of self-worth or personal significance, because He assures us of God’s love for us. He sets us free from guilt because He died for us and from paralyzing fear because He reigns. He gives meaning to marriage and home, work and leisure, personhood and citizenship.” ~ John Robert Walmsley Stott

And then of course, learning the true meaning of love.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” ~ The Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:4-6

Wow that’s a whole lot huh? So how long did it take us to learn all this? Well so far it’s 43 years and counting! It has to be put into practice constantly; without these lessons I sadly confess 43 would have never made 3. As a matter of fact on our 40^th anniversary we gathered with our family at a nice restaurant in Ft. Wayne where this “Traveler of the Rock Road” got down on one knee, presented my beautiful bride with a new ring, and the promise for her would only grow stronger.

How bout that, we took the three words, “It’ll never last,” and changed to “In love forever.”

Now that’s not to say we don’t fight anymore, that just ain’t a gonna happen with an Irish-Mexican and a Street Kid. The fights just don’t last as long anymore; but the making up is so much better!!

See ya next time.

The young boy tried hard not to cry, but still the tears ran hot down his cheeks as he and his mother left the building and started the long walk home. He had been studying music for nearly 2 months when his instructor summoned the mother to a session and informed both that there was no reason to continue lessons. The child just did not possess the aptitude play music, and to continue would be a waste of his time and the mother’s money. She spoke just 2 words, “That’s fine,” then taking her son by the hand they turned and left.

Sitting alone in his room in silence a small voice seemed to whisper in his ears, “You failed again, just give up and forget about it.” Sadly, he began to agree with the voice; after all learning had always come hard to him so why shouldn’t this? The difference this time was he was being told don’t bother trying to learn music, the one thing he loved more than anything, he just didn’t have what it took.

Later his mom came into his room and announced “Tomorrow we’ll start looking for another music teacher.” “But you heard what this one said, I didn’t have talent to play music.” With a touch of anger in her voice she shot back, “He’s wrong and he doesn’t know you like I do. You can play music and you will as long as you don’t give up on yourself. He may have given up on you but I haven’t. I believe in you!”

Well the boy found a teacher who wouldn’t give up on him and over the next 10 years he became proficient as a drummer. From there he made his way back to his first love in music, the guitar, and became accomplished enough to not only play but to teach others on the instrument he had once been told he’d never learn.

Well if you haven’t figured it out by now that young boy was me and it was my mother who believed in me when it seemed like no one else did. I loved that woman dearly for not giving up on me like others had. But looking past the fact she was my mom what was it that drove her to see more than what was present. After all I could hardly read and always lagged behind other kids my age in learning. Add in that I had never played one note of music, it didn’t make sense that she believed I would someday be called a musician. We can sum it up with one word; Faith. When we search for a definition to faith we find this, “A complete trust or confidence in someone or something.” Three synonyms for faith would be “trust, belief and confidence. Mom didn’t need the proof that others look for in determining my abilities, she knew in her heart what I was capable of; she had complete “faith” that I could and I would someday be a musician.

Over the course of my Christian life I have time and again come across ones who want to challenge my belief, demanding I give them solid evidence that a God really does exist. I can use numerous sources to defend my position and have often; but without one key element it’s all for naught. If a person chooses not to believe, not to have faith then all arguments become fruitless, nothing I say will make a difference.

Corrie ten Boom, author and survivor of a Nazi concentration camp puts it this way, ”Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.”

Going all the way back to Adam and Eve, God has given us the right to decide if we want to believe and follow Him or not. He doesn’t force His ways on us but makes Himself known to each of us in a special way. The deciding factor then is ours of whether we choose to believe Him, to have Faith in Him regardless of the fact that we cannot see Him–yet.

Romans 1:16-17 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, the righteous shall live by faith.”

As this “Traveler of the Rock Road” has aged, he has grown stronger in his appreciation and love of a mother who had “Faith” in him. In turn my “Faith” in a God who loves me has grown stronger and stronger to where I no longer feel I have to prove He’s there, I know He’s there. That’s Faith.

What about you when looking at both subjects; who believed in you, and who do you believe in especially in the realm of eternity? ‘For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him.’ My faith is in my Lord, I pray that yours will be there also.

See ya next time.

When my Great Aunt Pearl retired, she chose to move back home to West Virginia instead of living out her days in Ohio. This was a sad time for me; I loved my mother dearly but because of her limitations physically and emotionally Pearl took on the role of 2^nd mother to me. I hated to see her leave but I understood; had it been possible I might have moved with her. So over the following years we would see each other during visits but most of the time would be spent catching up on the phone.

One evening as we were talking I happened to look out the window to see the moon. “Oh Pearl you ought to see the moon, it’s big, full and beautiful tonight.” “Just a moment,” she responded and then there was a pause before she returned to the phone. “You’re right Johnny, it’s so bright it lights up my backyard.” Then with a little chuckle; “Now I couldn’t let you enjoy that all by yourself.” When we hung up I sat there and pondered her words and what we had just experienced, just shared. Even though she was 500 miles away we could see the moon at the same moment. It reminded me of being a kid and how she and I would watch a TV show together; now the show we shared was God’s glorious creation, hung in the sky for all to see, especially Pearly Mae and me. Over the course of time my travels took me farther away from home and Pearl, but wherever I was if I happened to notice a full moon I’d called and ask, “Do you see it?” Often the response would be “Yes, I’m seeing it with you.” Awesome!

The call came in February telling me about the accident and that Pearl was in serious condition. The next day she went to be with her Lord. And I looked into the night and there was no moon; it seemed fitting. It was such a hard time not understanding how she could be gone so suddenly. The answer would come several years later as I stared, alone in my thinking, at a full moon.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

¹     “There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

²     a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³     a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,”

It was like I could hear her voice; “Johnny, you mean to tell me that you are so sad that you can’t remember all the good times we had, including moon gazing.”

It was still hard but I realized there were many wonderful memories of my Pearl that brought a smile, even tears of joy. It was now time to move, she would want that as well as the Lord would. She lived her life well sharing her joyful ways with many, but now she was Home and there’s no way she’d want to come back.  When that reality hit me I was finally able to let her go, to be happy she was with her Lord. I may not have her anymore, but I still had her memory, her ways and laughter and the guidance and love she worked so hard to instill in me. When I look at that the fullness of the moon I now realized, I still had my Pearly Mae.

This “Traveler of the Rock Road” looks at life differently these days; I had said for years I believed in eternal life but it took several more years for me to really know it as truth, a place where many friends, family, Pearl and my beloved Lord dwell.

I so look forward to being reunited with my Pearl one day. I won’t be surprised if she leads me to a place where we can both gaze and then say, “Do you see Him?” and my answer will be, “Yes I do, in all His fullness and glory, I see the Son!”

See ya next time.

He looked so out of place when you took in the field of participants who had come to compete that day. The majority were well seasoned athletes with slim, hardened muscular bodies well prepared for the grueling triathlon that would soon begin. But this gentleman was 80, and looked more fit for a brisk walk than he did a near mile swim, 26-mile bike ride and finally a 10K run. Of course there I was, in my mid 50s and had given up a daily habit of 2 ½ pack of cigarettes just a few years earlier; yep I’m sure I looked just as out of place as this brother did. Still I was curious, as I am with most folks I meet, and wanted to know his story.

“I have an apartment where a portion of the Chicago Marathon route goes past every year. As I watched the thousands that ran past my window each time I would say to myself, someday I’m going to do that. Well, I was able to retire at 58 and the first thing I did was buy some running shoes and got started. I had a lot to learn since I’d never done any physical sports before so the next step was joining a runner’s club where I picked up a lot of helpful advice. I’ll tell ya, even though I trained hard for months I was scared to death the day I put on my bib number and took my place waiting for the start of the race; but this had been my dream and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. It wasn’t pretty but I never quit running and finished the race, and I’ve been running ever since.” “That’s so awesome” I responded, “I imagine running Chicago is the highlight of your running career.” With a smile he answered, “Yes, it was a highlight, but so was New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Boston.” “Oh my goodness! You’ve done all that plus these triathlons?” “Oh I do these to train for Iron Man competitions; I try to get two in a year.” Now I just stood there and stared wondering if he was pulling my let a little. An Iron Man is approximately 2-mile swim, 113-mile bike and 26-mile run and by his calculations he had done over 30 of those. He summed up our conversation by proclaiming “I’m living the dream!”

When I got home that evening I Googled this man’s name; sure enough he had done all he said, and more. Still the question lingered; what makes a man in his 50s take up such a grueling lifestyle and continue with it over the next 30 years. Well his words came back to me; “I’m living the dream.”

Mark Batterson put like this, “If your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s too small.”

My friend had a dream, a desire to be a runner even though he was passed the age when most people usually begin such an endeavor. But he believed he could accomplish this feat to a higher level than anyone his age had ever done.

I believe God places inside each of us not only a desire but an ability to reach goals we, and probably others, never imagined. As a boy I never learned to read until I was 12 and was treated by some as being too ignorant to ever accomplish anything, which in turn led me to believe the same; I wasn’t smart enough so why try? But through the encouragement of ones who believed and saw something more, I was able to overcome the reading deficit and as anyone who reads my blog can attest, draw great pleasure from writing. But if I’m going to believe what God says about Himself then I should do the same with what He says about me.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight”

When we commit our ways and our wants (our dreams if you please) to God He is more than ready to guide us if we are ready to trust Him. I believe God has called me to be a writer so I commit it all to Him. And what is my dream? Well to someday write a novel or something that will be a million seller. I know it sounds way over the top. But that’s what I’m bringing to the altar, that’s what I’m giving to my Lord; and that’s what I will continue to trust Him for. Once again, “If your dream doesn’t scare you, then it’s too small.”

So what’s your dream, are you still pursuing it or have you given up, beaten down by a world that tells you to stop and get on with a real life? Well, God says bring them to me and let’s see what we can do together on that dream of yours. Just a thought.

My latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” would be in his 90s now and I won’t be surprised if he’s still out there making tracks. Who knows, maybe we’ll meet up again at another tri; and maybe this time I can beat that old cotton picker!! Yeah, I know; probably not!

See ya next time.

I wasn’t much more than a kid when I met Frank who was easily ten years my senior; and I remember the feeling of awe I had talking with him and others after a concert in Columbus. Frank was the lead guitar player and backup singer to a band that had one gold record and were working on their next. He was living the dream that each up and coming musician desired with a heartfelt passion, to have their name on a record label and perform in front of thousands of admiring fans. Frank and the rest of the group had even done a spot on Johnny Carson, so this was like standing before royalty as we chatted and joked about trivial little matters, just like a bunch of old friends would do when they came together. I remember especially how Frank had some fun with me since it was obvious how enamored I was being in his presence, still he just carried on like an average joe who chose not to come off as someone special, and I always appreciated that. “Hey Miler, if you’re not doing anything you want to be my guitar tech tomorrow night? All you have to do is be ready with whatever guitar I want and change a string if I break any; you interested?” Interested?!! I could hardly get a “yes” out, I was so excited!

My role was pretty small the next night; Frank only switched guitars once, but I still stood ready for the call. From where I was backstage I could see the masses pressed up against the stage yelling, dancing and singing every word to each song. I watched Frank and he seemed to draw strength and energy from the crowd as he cranked out hot guitar licks and sang with an enthusiasm beyond any words I could use to describe. “Oh to live Frank’s life would be so incredible,” I thought. What I wouldn’t do to be out there on that stage then and every night, living the dream, just like Frank.

Ask anyone in the industry and they’ll tell you that only 1% of all musicians will make it to the big time; and of that count just 1% of 1% will spend their entire career on top. Frank and the band were no exception to the rule; when their “15 minutes of fame” was over, the only time you ever heard from them was when an oldies radio station would still play the song they were known for best.  The band split up and 3 of the 4 settled into a more domestic lifestyle. One went back to college and is now an engineer for Ford in Detroit, one became a minister while the other bought and ran a car parts store in Louisville. But Frank never pursued what others would call a normal life; he continues playing music in any band that would have him be it rock or country. The venues are much smaller than what he once performed in and seldom did anyone know who he was. Talking to a mutual friend, I once made the comment, “Too bad Frank never settled down and got serious about something for his life.” I was met with a “What are you talking about?” “If you don’t think Frank isn’t doing exactly what he wants to do and enjoying life to the fullest, then you never knew the man.” I learned Frank didn’t need his name in lights and playing arenas, he just needed to play; that was what he was born for, that was his lifetime calling. Be it 10 or 10,000 he performed in front of, as long the people were enjoying what he did he was the happiest man in the room, and no job or treasure would ever replace that.

Often I think of Frank and his love of making music for others in the same light as my talents and using them for the love of my Lord. After all His Word tells us, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”

What would Christianity and Christ look like to the rest of the world if each of us who call ourselves Believers lived our lives performing our talents and our tasks with the same type of joy Frank feels that keeps his drive alive to play music. Gives the Gray One a shiver of joy just thinking about it.

So here’s another “Traveler of the Rock Road” that will never know how he touched my life, with his passion and love for the gift he possesses. Frank, whether you’ll ever know it or not, you showed my Jesus. Thank you, and keep rockin!

See ya next time.

Two weeks ago I went in the hospital and had replacement surgery on my left knee.  It wasn’t the most pleasant procedure I’ve ever had, as a matter of fact I still have a good deal of pain. But the fact was my knee was worn out and if I didn’t have the surgery there would be a time I would not be able to use my left leg at all.  So now that the operation is complete my routine consists of rest, lots of ice, physical therapy and with the aid of a cane walking a little further one day than I did the previous. As many of you already know it’s a slow process but I look forward the day I can get back to the regular lifestyle. Of course the doctor has informed me that there will be certain limitations to what I can or cannot do, with the biggest being running.  The pounding that your knee takes when jogging is more than recommended for a replacement joint, so running will be a definite no-no. There’s a slight disappointment that comes knowing I’ll have limitations but it’s not like I’m a world class athlete and besides I can still power walk and bicycle, two of my favorite activities.

One evening I found myself remembering a man who after an accident found the limitations he was saddled with were more than he could live with.  Lyle looked like the All American Joe with his handsome appearance and athletic physique. He was well educated and articulate in his speech, he held a good job and tapped often to lead organizations both civic and political. All in all Lyle was man everyone liked and seemed to have the whole world going his way–at least until the night of the accident.

No one really knows what happened, whether Lyle had fallen asleep while driving or what; the fact remained he drove into the side of a moving train that nearly took his life. He would be in the hospital for months recovering from his wounds, but numerous injuries would plague him the rest of his life. His body was bent and broken to where he needed a wheelchair to get around. He was still coherent enough to know people, but his mental sharpness was gone forever. The worst was he now suffered from constant depression. Seeing the shape he was in convinced him he was worthless no matter what anyone else said or did. As he told a mutual friend, “When I look in the mirror I hear a voice saying that person you remember is gone, so why go on?” Sadly one evening he chose to listen to the voice by taking an overdose of pain pills.

There is one thing that all of us share at some point, and that’s the belief we are not good enough to do something because of something lacking in us. For some like Lyle it’s because of physical limitations; in others the limitations are possibly mental or emotional. But that in no way means we’re worthless–that we have nothing to offer that might be deemed valuable to others.

God’s Word tells us this in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”

And in 1 Corinthians 2:9,   “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him.”

Because we live in the world that puts so much emphasis on talent, looks and so on, we forget that God doesn’t measure us like that. What you see may not look like much, but God sees us as precious and valuable beyond measure, because we are His!

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Maybe I’m not perfect and can’t do many things, but in Christ I’m everything, because of His love. Awesome!

I told you how Lyle, our “Traveler of the Rock Road” decided to end his life. Well God must have had other ideas. He was found, taken to the hospital and recovered. Sometime later he discovered he still had value, especially in Christ; and the last I heard he was working crisis intervention in Lexington.

Personally I prefer to say he now works in “Hope” and loves every minute of it.

See ya next time.

Larry came over to our table to say hello and greet us with the large grin he seemed to wear all the time.  After a few cordial words to each other he stopped and a sober look came over his face, one like I had never seen before.  “I suppose you heard I have liver cancer and there’s nothing they can do for me.”  Of course we were taken back as he continued; “I’m going to be okay, I just worry about leaving my wife; but I’m sure the Lord’s got that worked out without me,” once again the smile returning to his face. As he walked away I thought not only what I heard from Larry, but what I saw.  Moments earlier he had been sitting with friends at their favorite restaurant where they met after Sunday church service, laughing, joking and having a good time is such a way no one watching could tell anything was wrong.

I then thought about all the years I knew Larry and the kind of man he was. There was never a work crew assembled from the church that he wasn’t a part of. The number of families he had helped move with his truck was probably more than he could count.  Whenever we had folks at the church with hearing and speaking disabilities Larry, who was fluent in sign language, was there to translate and make them feel at home. Then there were all the mission trips, both domestic and to other countries where he tackled tasks like swinging a hammer, using a paint brush, clearing rocks out of a field or whatever else was needed.  Then there were the times we spent together camping and canoeing around Indiana with Larry and others, and the scenario was also the same for this man; active, happy.

It’s was a little more than a month later that we at the funeral home with literally hundreds of others to pay our respects to the family and say one last earthly goodbye to Larry who finally succumbed to this most hated disease called cancer. While there we visited with many folks, some we hadn’t seen in years. The mood was lighthearted with everyone we spoke to in the hour long line advancing toward the front to speak with the family. Even though his Lady and loved ones were saddened at his departure they still met us with smiles and stories that brought light laughter.  A strange thought came to my mind as we left the funeral home; “Death where is your sorrow, where is your sting?”

This man, servant, warrior for the Lord and “Traveler of the Rock Road” in his life and early death epitomized the very core and spirit of what I always say. “It’s not a religion, not a philosophy, not some fantasy dreamed up by an ancient writer; It is complete faith in a living God whose love for us is so immense that He created a way for all who believe to be with Him, in joy and happiness, forever!” Larry lived that faith every day of his life the way God wants us all to with purpose and happiness smiling at knowing what lies ahead. Awesome!

Generally, I have scripture or a quote from an author I admire, but today I’m going to close with the words written on the inside of Larry’s funeral notice.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path Gad laid for me,

I took His hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all.

***

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that place at the close of the day

***

If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

***

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

***

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now, He set me free.

 Same old Larry, still working for His Lord right up to the last, then smiling all way into Glory!

See ya next time.

I could feel the sweat beginning to gather in the palms of my hands, the knees were weak as I exited the car and I could literally hear the pounding of my heart as I made my way up the long sidewalk and onto the porch attached to the home where my old friend lived. It had been well over 10 years since the last time we saw each other due to a dispute so bad we parted ways determined never to cross paths again. Well there are moments during our youth where self-pride and arrogance can cause us to say and do some pretty stupid things.  When looking back to those days and the attitude I possessed, I realized that the majority of the problems between me and my old chum were mine. I had hurt this person’s feelings and betrayed their trust and never once gave thought to making it right.  So here once again, since giving my life over to Jesus Christ, was an opportunity to make right a wrong. Like many others I knew, I had to go and tell my friend I was sorry and ask his forgiveness. It was the right thing to do, to show I wasn’t the person he once knew.

So here I was walking up to the door, nervously knocking, then waiting for a response. “I don’ know why I’m so worried,” I thought. “I had already gone to others like this, each time with positive results. ,After all everyone accepts an apology; this is going to be okay.”
The door swung open and there stood my old friend, and from the way he stared me straight in the eyes I knew he recognized me. “What do you want here?” “I’ve come to talk to you about us, to say I’m sorry for the way I treated you and hopefully make things right.”  There was a moment of silence but he unloaded both barrels, verbally speaking. “Well I don’t want your apology and I don’t want you around here. Once I lose trust for someone they never get it back from me again. Now get out of here and don’t ever come back.” And with that the door slammed in my face.

Now I had changed, but in that moment the old self in me wanted to take my size 12, kick in the door, knock this guy down and sit on his chest while saying, “Hey you forgive me or I’m going to put a knot on your head!” Sitting in the car I quietly chucked to myself while thinking, “Yeah that would really show him I’ve changed.”

Over the next few days I pondered that encounter and how it was met with a defiant refusal to even give consideration to forgiving me. Up to that point this had never happened and it made me wonder that perhaps he was right; my actions were beyond forgiveness.

C.S. Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

He goes on to say; “This is hard. It is perhaps not so hard to forgive a single great injury. But to forgive the incessant provocations of daily life—to keep on forgiving the bossy mother-in-law, the bullying husband, the nagging wife, the selfish daughter, the deceitful son—how can we do it? Only, I think, by remembering where we stand, by meaning our words when we say in our prayers each night ‘forgive our trespasses as we forgive those that trespass against us.’ We are offered forgiveness on no other terms. To refuse it is to refuse God’s mercy for ourselves. There is no hint of exceptions and God means what He says.”

I would love to tell a story where healing happened between me and my friend, but he chose not to have that. Still by my effort to truly right a wrong, the sin has been forgiven, it’s been made right maybe not by this individual, but by a loving and forgiving God.

1 John 1:9 – ^“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

I’ve met many a soul that walked through life weighed down by past mistakes that weren’t humanly forgiven. To the “unforgiver” all I can say is the person you’re hurting the most is yourself; isn’t it time to set yourself free? And to the one who feels “unforgiven or unforgiveable;” don’t buy into that lie.  You have been forgiven. Maybe it won’t come from an earthly individual, but you have a Heavenly Father who’s more than willing to ease that pain in your life–to forgive, love and forget. Why not take in the happiness He wants you to have?

As for my one time friend and fellow “Traveler of the Rock Road,” who knows if we’ll ever see each other again and make things right. If not that’s alright, where his forgiveness floundered, my Lord’s rose to the occasion, picked me up and made me whole again. I can find delight and healing in that. But just in case my old buddy ever wants to have that talk, I’ll have the coffee pot on and ready.

See ya next time.

Recently I reconnected with two dear friends from back in the days when I worked at a drive-in movie theatre. I had almost forgotten about that moment and all the fun we had there and after our duties were completed at the concession stand. After corresponding with one of these old friends, I went to my studio to lay hands on one of my prized possessions; what you’re looking at in the picture. A smile came to my face as I gripped this old relic and the many wonderful memories of those days flooded my mind.

We all had jobs to do in preparation of the horde of movie goers that would descend on the concession stand during intermission. There was the grill for burgers, the pizza oven, popcorn, soda, candy and even the best hot powdered donuts you could get anywhere. We had to operate like a well-oiled machine that could handle many functions all at once. Most of the customers were good folks, but each night there would be a stinker or two whose main purpose was to see how much grief they could give us. Such is human nature. But through it all we would meet the challenge of taking care of everyone’s orders and finish the night with success and pride at the job we did. After we shut down and cleaned we’d gather in the back room for a few minutes of drinking sodas, talking about how the night went, and then take time to laugh and unwind. There were times we all went out together, maybe for some late night bowling or perhaps to just ride around and be silly; for as time went on we became more than a work crew, we were friends almost like family. The longer I hold this treasure between my fingers the more I remember the good times working at the drive-in and the joy it brought me; well at least up to that one certain point. Now let’s see, what happened in that one dismal moment? Oh yeah, I got canned! So how does one go about losing a job they really enjoy with people they love to be with? Well it’s easier than you may realize, all you have to do is be completely full of yourself.

For those who have been regular readers of this blog you’ll know that as a young man my main goal was to carve out a career in music, nothing else mattered more including a good job and good people. At first things were as I described, enjoyable and fun-loving. But if the choice come down to playing music or going to work, then the job was always going to take a backseat and people were just going to have to understand; this was my career–my destiny, not making popcorn or serving pop. Different ones tried to talk to me about this attitude, but I wasn’t interested in listening; guess I went far enough to show I wasn’t the team player they needed because the manager finally let me go. Anger pulsated through every bone of my body and on the night I was fired, I walked out and never saw many of those people, those friends, again.

One of my heroes John Wooden said, “A player who makes a team great is better than a great player. Lose yourself in the group, for the good of the group, that’s teamwork.”

When I hired in at the drive-in, it was more than a part-time job; it was a promise that I’d do my best to be a help to the entire crew, the team and not make it harder on them. Because of an arrogant attitude, I not only failed them, but myself also. I had a great opportunity to learn what is was like to work as a team and I chose otherwise.

Over the years through the help of my Lord I’ve learned what it means to be dependable, even more to depend and trust others. I’m thankful for folks who have nurtured me in understanding we all need help and to be a help.

Hebrews 10:24 – ^“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds”

Like I’ve said in the past, I write exposing the good and bad about this man in hopes it will be helpful to someone else.

As for this object, it’s a car speaker that you’d hang on your window to hear the movie. Well one day I received word they were going to tear down the old drive-in. Hopping in my car I drove the 150 miles over to Ohio just to see the place once more before demolition and perhaps pick up a token as a memory to those days. The rest is history; besides the statute of limitations ran out years ago!

As I stare into this old leftover from an industry my grandchildren will never know, I begin to see the faces of the “Travelers of the Rock Road” from those days and I smile.

“Thanks guys for being such awesome friends.  Sorry I wasn’t one in return, at least until now.

See ya next time!

I remember the threat like it was yesterday; “I’ll get you and I’ll get your family!” These venomous words came in a phone call from a former tenant I evicted out of an apartment complex we owned. This was an individual who lived a rough life and was trying (at least as he told me) to get himself straightened up. In an effort to try and help I let the rent slide a couple of times always with the promise he’d make it right later. Well later never came and so having no choice we served an eviction notice. Immediately he showed his gratitude for all we had done for him by completely trashing the apartment, then calling with the threat before dropping out of sight. When I contacted the police they assured me his past record indicated he was capable of carrying out this evil and for a while we should be very watchful.  It was not even a second thought when I sent Cathy and the children away for a period of time for their own safety.  A friend asked how I planned to protect myself in case he showed in the night. “I guess I’ll keep my softball bat by the bed and hopefully get the first swing in.” “I don’t think that’s good enough,” my friend answered and headed outside to his car. When he returned he had 410 shotgun in one hand and a box of shells in the other. “I know you don’t use guns, John, but it pays to he prepared, so let me give you a quick lesson; then leave it in the corner next to your bed, just in case.”

I’m not sure how much I slept that first night alone, wondering if this individual would carry out his threat, and also staring that the long barrel gun pointing up and leaning against the wall near me. Don’t know when I fell asleep, only when I heard the noise that woke me enough to grab the gun and run out into the living room. Nothing, only darkness and quiet as I stood there for what seemed to be an hour, gun ready to use. The next evening as I was getting ready for bed a loud knock came from the front door. Once again I grabbed up the shotgun and opened the door just enough to peek out. It was the neighbor wondering where the family was and checking to see if I was alright. I kept the gun hid behind the door as I thanked them, then collapsed on the couch considering what might have happened if I had over reacted; I wasn’t liking what my mind told me could have happened. I realized I was afraid of what could happen at the hands of the perpetrator, but also frightened of the life taking machine I now held over my lap. Taking the shells out of the gun I placed them back in the box with the others, then carried everything out to the trunk of my car.  That night with my Louisville Slugger next to me I slept like a baby.

Rick Warren says, “Fear is a self imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends for you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love.”

Now I’m not going to get into the debate on gun control and ownership; I have many friends and family that are veterans and/or skilled hunters that have fired weapons extensively. But even though I consider myself an outdoorsman I’ve never been around or used guns; just something I never got much opportunity to do and frankly at this point in my life have no desire for. So having one in my home after a 2-minute crash course on how to use it really didn’t bring the security my friend with the good intentions meant. As a matter of fact, it brought me greater fear than the one who had threatened me and my family.  The thought that I could accidentally shoot a person out of fear just wasn’t worth the security that was meant in having the weapon in the first place; it just wasn’t me.

I remembered a couple of promises from God’s Word that seem to bring things back into perspective.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

The Lord is my light and my salvation–whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

As this “Traveler of the Rock Road” looked back on my life, there was as realization that I had to face bigger obstacles than this treat and not once did God leave my side.

Charles Spurgeon also said this: “The worst evils of life are those which do not exist except in our imagination. If we had no troubles but real troubles, we should not have a tenth part of our present sorrows. We feel a thousand deaths in fearing one, but the Christian is cured of the disease of fearing.”

This guy could possibly harm me, but he wasn’t going to make me fear him. At worse he could take my life, but all he’d be doing is giving me a new and better one. That’s a cool thing to know, huh?!!

The following week I brought the family home and never heard another word from my menace–that is until I spotted him in a store several months later. The moment his eyes saw me walking toward him, he put down what he was looking at, headed out of the store to his car and was gone lickety split! For a moment I wondered what he saw coming toward him to make him that afraid. As one person put it perhaps he could see me approaching with a couple of giant angles on my flanks. But I think it was more about something he and I both forgot about; I was a good head taller and outweighed him by at least 50 pounds. Sometimes it’s the “little” things that bring a smile to your face!
See ya next time.