Traveling the Rock Road

As many of you know I have a strong passion for music; it was the one area that I seemed to have some ability from a young age. But ones who knew me best must have wondered sometimes if I really enjoyed it. I was very critical of my performance, coming away from concerts frustrated with how I played and wanting to do better next time around. If that attitude wasn’t bad enough, let a fellow band member mess up or do something I felt was below the norm I had set; well look out Jack, we were going to have words! The situation got so bad that I had friends who would quit the band because of my attitude. One buddy told me, “Hey John, I love you but when it comes to playing together in a band, I’d just soon smack you in the face with my guitar!” And yes, we’re still pals even though he wouldn’t share a stage for 20 years. The same arrogance followed me when I began playing gospel songs. I loved making music for my Lord but my attitude was still judgmental on how well I or someone else performed; it was something I couldn’t shake.  I’m sure there are several reasons for this mindset I could point to, but that’s not what I want to focus in on today. Let’s just cut to the chase and let me tell you how I got over myself.

It wasn’t until an older friend approached me about this problem that I began to see myself as I really was. “John, I love hearing you play, but when I talk to you afterwards you’re always miffed and point out all the mistakes. Truthfully, I don’t hear them and probably no one else does either. I’m surprised how unhappy you are. So, my question to is, are you doing music for the right reasons? If not, perhaps it would be better if you stopped and found something else to do, something that will make you happy.” Wow! If that wasn’t a 2X4 between the eyes I don’t know what would be! I can’t say his words didn’t sting and even made me a bit angry; but God knew I needed to hear those words. He knew there was a need to do some heart searching on who exactly I was trying to please with my gift. Him? Others? Or me?

I believe one of my favorite quotes comes from Leo Buscaglia, “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” God looked down and saw a young boy with a learning problem and very little self-esteem. Perhaps He said, “It’s okay, just trust me and it will get better, I promise. As an added bonus I’m going to give you the love of music and making music. What you do with it will be up to you. Because I love you.” There used to be an acronym based on the word J.O.Y.  Jesus, Others, You.  I had to break out of a self-centered attitude that it wasn’t all about me but the One who gifted me–Jesus my Lord. Then came the people who I touched with that gift–Others. Finally, I will never be the greatest musician in the world, but I can take delight in the gift that was given–You.

1 Peter 4:10 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

This “Traveler of Rock Road” has come a long way in his attitude by learning how to worship my Lord with my gift, by sharing it with others, and by loving what God has given me. What more can a man ask for?!!

I am much easier to play music with now, even my old buddy told me he’d share a stage with me again. But remember his threat, I just may wear my bicycle helmet when we do jam!

See ya next time.

Came across an old snapshot the other week that used to be one of my favorites. It’s a picture of me with two guys I used to perform in a band with; our wives are also in the shot. Peering down on this print always brings a smile to my face remembering not only the music we performed but the good times we had and the friendship we shared that still lives today. Then a time came when seeing the picture brought sadness and even a little anger. So I put it away not to look at it anymore. Why?

I kept the picture on the corner of my desk at home and while reaching for a black marker on a shelf above the desk the marker dropped, landing on the pic and creating a black mark. I tried desperately to wipe away the mark only to make it worse. Well, Hoot! Even though it was a small area smudged on the print it just made me sick to look at it. I left it on my desk for a few more days and each time I caught sight of the marred image anger would rise in me. How could I be so careless with something that meant a great deal to me. I at last stuck it in a drawer so it couldn’t haunt me anymore. I still had the memory of those people, the fun we had and even the day the picture was taken, and I no longer had to look at the disgusting black mark! That is until I’d open the drawer and there it would be, reminding me once again of my mistake.

Then one day when pulling out some papers from that drawer the picture came out with them. I started to put it back, but then I stopped. I began looking at it like I used to. The mark was still there, but it was like I was noticing for the first time it didn’t cover up the images. And the more I concentrated on the smiling faces and the good times we were having on that day the smaller the dark spot seemed to appear. It was still there and noticeable, but it didn’t cover up the picture of happiness. The only thing that changed was I was no longer focused in on the stain, I was back to seeing what brought me happiness.

I have come to see that like the blotch on my picture we all at times have dark spots on our lives, troubles that will take all our energy, emotions, and concentration and hold them captive. They appear so large that nothing can penetrate the shell of sadness in which we find ourselves encompassed. But the truth of the matter is there’s always joy out there for you to be a part of be it in others that have blessed your life or even those precious moments that elate the heart as you think of them. My point is this, in this world we’ll all face tribulations that bring us down; that’s okay, I understand and I’ve been there. But you don’t have to live your life with that black spot staring you in the face keeping you from seeing anything else. As you know, I like using my Great Aunt Pearl as an example because she was such a mentor to me.

It was as number of years after the passing of her husband Price that I ran into two former coworkers of Pearl. They wanted to let me know how much they enjoyed the time they worked together. Then one said to me, “It was such a shock to us all when we heard of all the years Price was sick, how Pearl had to take care of him often going on little sleep, and finally his death. Your Aunt Pearl would never talk about that; she would come to work in a good mood, enjoy being with us and we with her. That’s one strong woman, your Aunt Pearl.” Pearl had it rough, but she absolutely refused to let that permeate her entire life. She looked for ways to be blessed and to be a blessing.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

“Paul says that as Christians we can rejoice even in tough times because we have hope and because we know that God is working in our lives.”  Rick Warren

My fellow “Travelers of the Rock Road,” never Never NEVER, let the black dot in your life grow so big that you can’t see the beautiful picture around you, and especially don’t let it distract you from the love of the Lord. He hasn’t forgotten you, He knows what you’re going through, He’s there every step of the way. And never forget how God feels about you. Max Lucado put it like this: “If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Face it, friend. He is crazy about you!”

To paraphrase a certain comedian, “Now that ought to bring a smile to your face, I don’t care who you are!”

Hey. Let’s stop looking at the dark spot and let’s focus on the picture.

See ya next time.

I don’t about you but I’ve read, seen in pictures, TV and other sources places that make me go, “Wow, I sure want to visit there someday.” Over the years I’ve been fortunate to be able to visit most of the places in my dreams. Some were just the way I imagined and more. Others, well let’s just say they didn’t meet up to what I thought they’d be. One young man (we’ll call him Bobby) I became friends with had one dreamland he talked about all the time. New York! Still living with his parents when we met he showed me his room where the walls were plastered with posters. Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Manhattan and the New York Skyline plus numerous pictures of restaurants and shops.  He had the most impressive collection of magazines, books and videos of the city I had ever seen. He knew more about the five boroughs than probably most native New Yorkers. But what I found most curious about this ardent fan of the Big Apple was that he had never been there. His family didn’t have a lot of money so trips were generally places close and inexpensive; camping, an occasional visit to an amusement park and a yearly visit to Missouri where extended family lived. But that didn’t deter Bobby, someday he’d not only visit but would live in New York City.

The next couple of years I’d only run into Bobby occasionally, generally when he was coming or going to work. He’d always be donning a jacket, shirt or pullover with some type of NYC logo and a Yankees cap perched on his head. “I haven’t given up my dream. Soon as I have enough money I’m on my way,” he would tell me. Always smiling I’d answer, “That’s great Bobby, stay at it.” All the time though my thoughts were, ‘he’s young and impressionable, he’ll grow out of this someday.’ The majority of the young folks I’ve known with wild-eyed dreams (yours truly included) find out chasing a certain dream isn’t as great as they had hoped and go on with something more practical for their lives. Bobby was a good kid but impressionable, he’d grow out of his big city obsession sooner of later.  So I thought.

Early one Summer morning as I was getting ready to go to work, I saw an old Nova coming down the street toward me.  The car was packed so full with boxes the only space open was in the driver’s seat. And who’s behind the wheel? Bobby! “I told you someday I’d make it to New York. On my way now, just wanted to swing by to say so long and get your address so I can send you a post card.” Bobby, that’s awesome! So do you have a job waiting on you?” “Nope!” “Well do you have a place to stay when you get there?” “Nope!” “Okay then, have you made a contact there with someone to help you get settled?” “Nope!” It was easy for Bobby to see the concern on my face so before I could say anything else he chimed in, “I’ll be okay, even if I have to sleep in my car for a while. I just know it’s where I’m supposed to be.” Saying that he gave me a big hug, jumped back into his miniature modern day Conestoga wagon and headed down the street; and I never saw him again.

I saw Bobby’s dad a few days later and his opinion was similar to mine. “He’ll get there and see it’s not everything he thought it would be and head back home.”  A couple of months later I ran into his dad again. “Bobby is bussing tables at some restaurant and living in an apartment that from the pictures doesn’t look as big as his bedroom at our house. I don’t know what’s wrong with that boy but he’ll be home sooner or later.”  All his family and friends felt the same way. I worried that he might be too embarrassed if he fails in New York and may go to any length not to let the ones back home know if he’s in bad shape. After all, everyone knew he was crazy to chase after a place he had never been. He just needed to come back to where he really needed to be. Really?

Flash forward 20 years. I saw Bobby’s mom and dad in a restaurant, so I had to ask how he was doing. “We just got back from seeing him, he’s working on Broadway.” His dad let my eyes get a wide as they could before continuing. “He’s part of the construction crew that builds the sets for the plays.” He went on to tell how Bobby showed them around to all the sights and sounds of the city, took them to great restaurants, met many wonderful friends he had made there and had plenty of room for them to stay in the apartment he was now in.  He finished with, “I never thought I’d say this but he knew more what he wanted than the rest of us and he’s doing great. He’s home!”

For the last 26 years I’ve had my sights on a place I’ve never visited, never seen and have never talked to anyone who has been there. But I know it exists. I know it’s a wonderful full of joy and happiness. I know that once I get there I’ll never want to be anywhere again. In Psalm 84:2 we read, “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” When David wrote these words he also had never seen Heaven, but he knew it was real and devoted his life to day when he would go there. I have known countless many that have left this world with the assurance in their hearts they were going where they’re meant to be; they were going Home.

John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

C.S. Lewis “Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it.”

Bobby, today’s “Traveler of the Rock Road,” knew better than anyone he was made to live in New York City, New York. For the Believer, they know they were made to someday live in Heaven. Why not join them? I can tell you without ever being there, it’ll be the most awesome place you ever been.

See ya next time.

I admire ones who are self-assured of who they are and what they believe because at different moments I have been neither. I’ve written in the past struggles I’ve had, but I don’t believe any weighed as much as when I came to the point of doubting the love of my Lord, and even if He existed. Going along the roughest road of my life I became disillusioned and began to wonder if I was just wasting my time. Well there was only one way to find, dig in and investigate, was God real or not. So began an exhausting study of the greatest theological apologetics (defense, evidence, historical proof and reason on why the Bible is true) that have ever been written. Without going into a lot of detail at the end of my study, I came away with this position; What an amazing and incredible God we have!

Okay, saying all that, allow me to tell you a different problem I encountered and what I’m writing about today; the guilt of my doubt. When I got over my pity party, finished my studies and came to the realization that God is who He says He is, there for me, loving me. I was saddled with the sadness of how I could even doubt the one I call Lord. I then took this problem to others that were wiser and more stable in their faith. To my surprise each one told me of times when the same thing happened to them even if it was for a short moment. One I’ll never forget as he smiled across the desk from me and said, “Well you certainly have the right name?” Now what the heck was he talking about? My name wasn’t Thomas and everyone knows he was tagged as the disciple who doubted. He continued; “Don’t you remember the story of John the Baptist?” Well sure I knew him; the Voice crying in the Wilderness, the last prophet before Jesus who proclaimed Christ as Messiah and baptized Him; also, His cousin. What’s he got to do with anything? “John was taken and thrown into prison by Herod because he told him of the sin he was doing. Later Herod had John beheaded.” Yes, I knew all that, nothing new here. “But while John was in prison he began to question certain things, like is Cousin, Jesus the One we’ve been waiting for?” In Matthew 11:2-3 we read, When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? My friend leaned forward on the desk to look at me straight in the eye; “After all he had seen, all the preaching he had done proclaiming Jesus as Savior, he was now sitting in a damp, dark dungeon, probably never going to get out of alive. And he’s most likely thinking what’s up with this?!!” “He hit bottom and was totally confused.” Then looking harder at me he said “John, John was doubting!” Settling back in his chair he continued. “I see a small but compassionate smile coming to Jesus’s face right before He says, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” I think He knew John hadn’t lost his faith, he just hit a low point and needed a reminder he was right. Then I love what Jesus said about John next. As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.  Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”  John doubted, yet Christ gave him the greatest honor for He knew his heart even in the worst circumstances.

Me and my man John aren’t the only ones that went through moments of doubt. It seems like every Christian writer, teacher and pastor I have ever studied had that moment when they just weren’t sure; perhaps even you.

“Belief in God does not exempt us from feelings of abandonment by God. Praising God does not inoculate us from doubts about God.” Eugene Petersen

“Surely… we cannot imagine any certainty that is not tinged with doubt, or any assurance that is not assailed by some anxiety.” John Calvin

“I think the trouble with me is lack of faith… often when I pray I wonder if I am not posting letters to a non-existent address.” C.S. Lewis

So as you can see even the best have had those low moments of doubt. The question then becomes what do we do with them?  Do we decide to chuck it all because of unanswered questions we haven’t figured out, or do we stand firm in our faith?

Here’s a little story I heard years back. An earthquake struck a in a country that I’m sorry I don’t remember the name of. There was a school in a village where the students and teacher took refuge in the basement and were subsequently alive when the building collapsed. There was no way they could get out and all had given up hope anyone would reach them. Then a young boy stood up and said, “No! I know my father will not give up looking and will rescue us.” He made that statement out of faith. He didn’t know what was going on above them but he would not give up his faith in his dad. He also didn’t know the village had given up hope of finding anyone alive in the school, except the father. He went there and dug through the rubble an entire day, that night and the next day without stopping; until he reached the students. The first words out of his son’s mouth were, “I was scared, but I knew you would come.”

“Faith goes up the stairs that love has built and looks out the window which hope has opened.” Charles Spurgeon

“Faith isn’t believing without proof – it’s trusting without reservation.” William Sloane Coffin

This “Traveler of the Rock Road” has had his moments of doubt, just like so many others, but that has not stopped me from believing in my Lord and His love for me. I suppose I could credit it to all the studying I did, but a better and more truthful answer would be summed up in one word. Faith!

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

‘nuf said.

See you next time.

Before my knees gave out, I used to love skiing; nothing like swooshing down the side of hill on a beautiful Winter day.  By no means was I great skier, I usually stayed on long intermediate slopes where I could get in a good run but not at neck break speed, not like my sons and their snowboards. Those boys could do moves, stunts and reach speeds I wouldn’t even attempt. That’s one of the nice things about skiing, the skill levels ran the gambit. There were ones you’d think could compete in the Olympics, others at my skill level and a good number of beginners or nervous nellies who looked awkward making their way down the easiest runs. Which brings me to this week’s story.

My oldest son and I were at a great ski resort in West Virginia; great, well-groomed runs in beautiful scenery. As nightfall came they’d turn on large lights set on poles that lit up the whole area in an atmosphere of pure enchantment. Jeremy was off tackling double black hills, the hardest and fastest slopes, and I had paired up with a guy to do a different run, not as hard but still could test your skill level. We had made our way back to the top via the ski lift when I spotted the man and woman standing near the starting point and he was talking very gently to her. “Now honey, you’ve been on the bunny slope all day and you’ve done great. Now it’s time to try something harder and you’re going to be fine, just stay relaxed and remember the things I’ve taught you.” With that he skied gracefully down the slope about 20 feet, came to a stop and then powered his way back to her. “I just don’t think I can do this,” she said with a sick looking face as she stared in near fright down the hill. “I know you can do this, I have faith in you,” he responded. He promised he’s stay close and me and my new friend said we’d go also for support. “No!” she shouted out. “I have to do this without anyone near me or I’ll get more nervous.” Finally, the moment of truth came, she pushed off with her poles to start the descent down the hill. “You’re doing great sweetheart,” her husband called after her. The first little bit she seemed okay, but as she built up speed her legs came apart as if she was astride a very large horse. Going in a straight line she moved faster and faster, arms out to her side. She was now in a spread-eagle position traveling high velocity speed down the course looking like an accident waiting to happen. And it did. One of her skis crossed in front of the other causing her to fall hard. With an explosion of snow she rolled and crashed some 50 yards down the slope, skis coming off and going in different directions. When she came to a stop she laid there motionless and facedown. The three of us shot down to her as fast as we could with her husband reaching her first. “Honey, are you alright?!!” Still gripping one of her poles I was glad I wasn’t any closer to her than I was. She turned over and swung that pole hard catching her husband across the leg. “No I’m not alright! I’m cold, I’m wet, I’m hurting and embarrassed! I hate being out here, I hate skiing, and I HATE YOU!!!! Now get away from me!” My friend gave me a look that said this would be a good time to leave and we headed down the hill with the husband following after us at a slower speed I’m sure nursing a very sore leg. We I looked back up the slope; the wife had gathered her gear from the snow and was walking down the side hill. The couple disappeared into the lodge with the husband staying a safe distance behind and I never saw them again. Looking back now, it gives me a chuckle I must say, but once again I learned a little something. So here goes.

It was pretty obvious the wife was out there only because her husband wanted her to. The problem was she really didn’t have the ability, nor did she want to have any. Seems she bowed to pressure and gave in. Perhaps she forgave hubby and later gave it another try and prevailed. At least on the first part I hope! That brings to mind times when different ones have told me I believe God is calling you for this or that and you’d be great in this ministry. Oh really? And why did God tell you and not me?!! I’m not trying to be anti at taking advice from others, but I’m a firm believer if I’m walking with God the way I should, He’s going to put in my heart the direction He has chosen for me. 1 Peter 4:10 tell us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I have found myself trying to succeed in ways that just weren’t meant for me, not my gift. And I was miserable, and I failed miserably. It might have been the right path for someone else, but it was not what God had called me for. When I realized what my gift was and now to use it in the service of the one I call Lord it brought me great joy in using it and learning from others who could teach me more. Steve Harvey once said, “I’m going to take this God-given gift of being funny, and I’m going to spread it out like peanut butter on everything I do.” That’s love of your gift, and that’s love for the One who gave it to you. I think I used this once before, but it bears repeating. “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.”

I wonder occasionally about those “Travelers of the Rock Road.” If they’re like my me and my Lady, they look back on that night and laugh about it now. You see Cathy and I have many things in common, but also giftedness in different areas, that’s how God made us for whatever He’s prepared us for. Trying to force something we think each other could or should do never workes out. And after that day on the slopes I’m sure not going to force her to do something that puts a stick in her hands!

See ya next time.

Years ago, we rented a very large house with another couple who had two small children; we had the bottom and they had a 2^nd floor. These two were just wonderful to be around, always happy. They had a genuine love for life, each other, their children and especially, their Lord. They were also a couple that never knew a stranger. Everyone they met they spoke encouraging words and always with smiles that just made their whole face beam. Truly an exceptional pair that we feel blessed to have known.

Down the street from where we lived was this gentleman, well up in the years, with some obvious physical limitations. He walked a slow pace with a cane, bent over at the waist and you could hear him wheezing with every breath he drew. On many occasions I spoke to the old man but he would ignore any comments, and for good reason as I learned later. Even though his home was just a few blocks from where we were it was a rough section of town. His door locks were broken so the house was always open. A group of rather rough kids would come into his house anytime they wanted and help themselves to whatever they wanted even at times stealing his social security check. He had no family and with no phone he couldn’t call the police when he needed to. He ate one meal a day brought in by Meal-on-Wheels. Occasionally he could get someone to take him for groceries or to the doctor, otherwise his time was spent in a solitary life.

One day the wife of the upstairs couple was taking her children for a walk and saw the man sitting on his porch. She called out a friendly greeting but he gave no response, just sat looking down. Most would have just walked on but as she would tell it there was a tug at her heart that she just needed to reach out to this man. Walking up on the porch, children in hand she kept up cheering words hoping and praying she could reach him. Finally looking up he saw her and the two-little tykes, and a smile came to his face. That’s all she needed. She put her tiny daughter on his lap and sat down next to him with her son. With that little girl crawling all over him, hugging his neck and then falling asleep in his arms, the walls he had put up around himself began to crumble. From that point on the family was down to “Grandpa Ben’s” as they called him every chance they had. The husband and a few of his friends fixed the door locks and other things that had become dilapidated around the house. They set up a bank account so his retirement checks were directly deposited and they made sure he got around to all the places he needed to go. They took him on family outings, included him in on holidays and special events like birthdays, and he never missed a Sunday going to church with them.

The day came when the husband who was working on a degree in college finished his studies and accepted a position back in his hometown in Ohio; he and wife knew what they had to do but weren’t sure how it was going to go. Having dinner that evening with Grandpa Ben, they broke the news that they would be moving away soon and he cried. His thinking that for the first time in years he had people that cared for him and he loved back and they were leaving him. Then the wife spoke up. “No Ben, you don’t understand. It’s not just us, we’re all leaving; we want you to come with us. We can’t leave you behind, you’re family!” And Grandpa Ben cried.

“True love in action is more than words, a feeling or a momentary act. It’s a lifetime commitment that you will always be there for that someone, just like Christ does for each of us.” J. David Miller

“Loving like Jesus means you must value others like Jesus values you.” Rick Warren.

Romans 12:9-10 New Living Translation: Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.

On a warm summer morning, a wonderful couple we were so proud we got to know packed up their home in a large U-Haul to head to Dayton Ohio. The husband drove the van and his wife the car with the two children in the back, with a well-worn “Traveler of the Rock Road,” Grandpa Ben sitting next to her, a smile beaming just as bright as hers.  We never saw the family again, sadly we heard Ben passed away six months after their move; he went to be with the Lord surrounded by his loved ones. But weeks before his death a family portrait was taken that included everyone on both sides, with Ben sitting right in the middle. It hangs on their wall to this day.

This young couple could be called exceptional, big hearted and generous to someone else. But if you were to ask them, they’d tell you they only did what God did for them; love unconditionally.  Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  And I’m sure if you spoke to the husband, wife or the children they would never tell about being a blessing to a lonely man. They’d tell you how blessed there were when God brought Grandpa Ben into their lives.  After all, he was family!

See ya next time.

“A leopard doesn’t change its spots and people don’t change the way they are!” I can still remember his words as if he said them yesterday, and boy did they sting.

As I’ve told in the past, after giving my life to Christ feelings of conviction came over me that I needed to make things right with numerous individuals that I had wronged in one way or another. Now I wouldn’t have won the Simon Lagree achievement award for dastardly deeds done to others, but shamefully I admit there was a period of time I didn’t consider other people’s feelings and needs as much as my own. To put it bluntly I hurt some folks with my actions, and now there was a great sense of urgency in me that I had to make matters right with all I had done wrong. Some I sent letters to confessing my wrongs, expressing how sorry I was with a hope they could forgive me. Others I was able to track down and tell them face to face my mission with them. It brought great joy to my heart when someone said the words “It’s okay, I forgive you.” There were a few that said little during our encounters, mostly just listened. I can’t even be sure if they forgave me, but at least I got to say what I wanted. A couple of them though I can now refer to as friends once again. Then came the moment I stood on the doorstep of one, as the old saying goes, I knew would be the hardest nut to crack. When he opened the door I could tell by the look on his face he was not happy to see me there. I started by telling I needed to say something but he didn’t want any part of it. “Look, I’ve changed, please just hear me out.” He would have no part of it; that’s when he said those words to me. “A leopard doesn’t change its spots and people don’t change the way they are!” With that he ordered me off his property, never to return and slammed the door. As I walked to my car there was sadness but it was overshadowed by my anger. My mind raced; “The big jerk! I drive all the way to Kentucky to tell him something I felt he needed to hear but because of his unyielding bitterness toward me he won’t even take a minute to listen! Have it your way, you old coot, I don’t need you!” So, end of story. I did all I could do and there was nothing more. Oh really? I ought to know when it comes to God, He won’t let you leave something undone.

I’m not sure the old saying “Time heals all wounds” is indeed accurate, I’ve met numerous like my old friend who cannot forgive or forget, and truthfully I could be counted among them. As much as I told myself it didn’t matter, it was his problem and not mine, that moment would still come back to haunt me. I thought about trying again but had no reason to believe the results would be any different. Maybe a letter, but without ever knowing if he’d read it or not, I didn’t see that as a viable option.  But really, why should I even care? I don’t see where our paths would ever cross again, and after all, I did what God wanted me to. Or did I?

It took some time for me to realize something. I really wasn’t trying to please God as much as I was trying, well to look good to others. After all, I had changed from the person I once was and I think there was this need for everyone to acknowledge it. Who knows, perhaps I wanted them to be in awe and that’s not what God really wants from us. Sure, He wants us to live in harmony with others and make amends when we need to; but even more, He wants us to live our lives in way that glorifies Him; that if there’s anything special about us it not us, but the one we call Lord. That’s why we read Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” and also Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Until I stopped talking about how much I changed and began to tell what God had done for me, then my words, deeds, actions didn’t mean much.

John Piper: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Criss Jami once wrote: “When we look for success, it should be for the sole purpose of boasting sincerely in Christ. There’s no other reason for it. Success is only worth it when the more intense it gets for you, the more you find yourself bragging for His glory rather than your own.”

So, my x-friend was right; a leopard doesn’t change it spots, but God can change a heart. It’s then our job to show the world what “He” has done in us. I doubt if I’ll ever see this disgruntled “Traveler of the Rock Road” again, but there’s still something I can do. I can pray for him. Not a prayer that he someday forgives, that’s back putting the focus on me again. But I can pray for his life, health, family. I can ask God to bless him and send him happiness. Most of all, I can pray that he discovers and accepts the love and healing that comes through Christ. Who knows, maybe when I get to Heaven he’ll be there waiting for me with one of his big bear hugs. That would be awesome! But for whatever happens in the now, I can still pray for him with my new heart. The old coot!!

See ya next time.

Years ago, my Lady and I make trip to Southern Florida to check out a school I was giving thought to attending. Hollywood is a nice little community on the Atlantic Coast between Fort Lauderdale and Miami; today I hear it’s quite the tourist stop with it’s hotels and casinos.  The school had bought the Hollywood Beach Hotel right on the ocean and we were there for a week seminar. Everyday there was time between sessions to go out on the beach and enjoy the surf and sun. There were certain activities you could sign up for, so I spent one day in a group learning how to body surf and had a blast. We’d swim out to a certain point, wait for the instructor’s signal to start our swim, catch a wave and ride it back to the shore. It was so much fun I was disappointed when we were called in for the day.

A couple days into our stay I noticed an oil leak on the old 63 Chevy Pickup we had taken from Ohio to make the journey. Finding a garage who would work on it, I took off into the town and waited until it was fixed. Returning to campus, everyone was at dinner and since I ate while in town; I went out to the ocean and had the whole beach area of the school to myself. Seeing it as a great opportunity to get in some time on my new hobby, I stripped down to my cutoffs and headed into the water. The waves were higher that day and it took more effort to swim out. Without the instructor I wasn’t sure how far to go so I did a mental estimation where to swim to. That seemed wrong for when I turned back facing shore all I could see was water due to distance and the height of the waves. This strange and cold feeling came over me not being able to see shore, people or buildings. To make matters worse, a couple of large waves crashed pushing me deep into the water. Surfacing and gasping for air I panicked and tried to surf into shore, but my mind was going in every direction and I just couldn’t remember the fundamentals of what I had learned and got nowhere. Still not able to see shore, I started to wonder if I was being pushed father out to sea. Finally grabbing hold of my senses, I forced myself to relax. Okay, I know which way I have go and I am a strong swimmer so I’m going to beat the water until I reach land, or I can’t swim anymore. So, I began counting my strokes as I bounced up and down through the waves but refused to stop swimming; when I counted 100 strokes I would stop and take a look around. But when I reached that point my brain shouted, “No, don’t stop, do another 100!” Onward I swam, shoulder muscles burning but too afraid to quit. When I reached the 2^nd hundred stokes I thought, “I’ll stop, look to see what is visible and see if my feet can finally touch the bottom.” I didn’t get the chance to put my feet down, at least not a first. When I stopped swimming, my knees hit the bottom; I couldn’t have been in much more that 18” of water and I could see all the buildings up and down the coastline. Exiting the water, I nearly cried as I thanked God for saving my life and made a vow I’d never go back into the ocean!

The next day the water was completely still, and I watched from the shore as others from the school played and splashed in the water. The gentleman who instructed our bodysurfing class asked why I wasn’t going in so I fessed up to what I had done. A small smile came to his face as he said, “Yeah, I know.” Then it was, “Come with me,” and he headed out into the water. Wasn’t exactly the plan I had, but okay. We walked, and we walked, and then we walked some more until the water was almost chest high. He then turned around and said, “Do you think this is how far out you were?” “Oh yes, easily, but I must have been over farther because the water was a lot deeper!” Staring at me with that same little smile he then started walking back in. When we were 2/3 of the way back where the water was waist high he stopped again and said, “This is about where you were.” “No Way! The water was deep, and I couldn’t see anything and besides how would you know?!!” “Because along with two others I was only 10 feet from you; you couldn’t see us from the waves being so high. That’s why you thought you were in bottomless water. The waves made it feel deeper than it is here; had you put your feet straight down after swell passed you would have been able to touch, which also is why it made the swim so hard. We saw you were having trouble but were close enough if you needed help. When you went into your Johnny Weissmuller all out swim (That’s one of the original Tarzans for the young people who wouldn’t know), we knew you were going to be okay. But use your head from now on, don’t ever go out in the ocean alone again.”

Charles Spurgeon said “The worst evils of life are those which do not exist except in our imagination.”  In my panic I believed my situation was almost beyond hope and if I survived it would only be a miracle of God. Only to find out my peril wasn’t as dramatic as I made it and God already had my back.

How often have we found ourselves believing a situation is hopeless and realize later the worst part was all the energy we spent worrying and fretting over something that came close to fruition. Corrie Ten Boom goes as far to say, “Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.” Had I not let my fears overwhelm me that day, I might not have seen my situation as almost hopeless. I can look back on other situations where anxiety ruled over me and made matters seem worse than they were, only to discover everything was going to be okay. As a Believer in Christ, I’ve had to realize that no matter what comes, God is still there for me as a help. No matter what the situation is, He won’t leave me. Just like my instructor that day; had I not been so caught up in fear I might had seen he was close the entire time.

Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

That’s not to say you can’t ever be afraid; it happens to all of us, but you don’t want it to rule your life.

Max Lucado says, “The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident.”

I’m sure my instructor, another “Traveler of the Rock Road.” Told the story of meltdown to many he taught after me with that same little smile on his face. But not to ridicule me, but to teach others to be clear minded and not to let their fears make mountains out of molehills. That’s one example I’m glad I can be a part of.

See ya next time.

Back when I used to give music lessons, I taught one boy whose mother was as sweet as apple pie. Often when she dropped him off for lessons she’d bring me a plate of cookies or something she had spent the day baking. She was one of those that made you wonder if she was born with a permanent smile on her face. Always a delight to see her coming; now the dad, well that was another story. He’d come in a huff, a snarl on his face with words generally along the line of, “Don’t go over on his lesson, I have things that need to get done when this is over!” Okay, gotcha! The few times I tried to make friendly conversation with him, he’d be very short in his words, never making eye contact and leaving as quickly as he could. One afternoon when the mom came, we got on the subject of her husband.  I wanted to know if I had done something to offend him. Sending her son to the car she began to tell me his story. “My husband has always had insecurities from not knowing his father. He got made fun of a lot as boy for not having a dad and that made him hard. He’s good to me and our son, but just can’t trust others enough to let them get close.”

I listened intently feeling as if someone was telling my own story. I also never knew my father plus felt the confusion, embarrassment ridicule and yes, anger brought by a few small-minded individuals. Since I was able to relate to her husband’s anguish, I asked if she’d like me to talk to him. Fearing he would feel betrayed by her, she declined my offer. A couple months later their son stopped taking lessons and I never heard from them again. A year or so later I learned the father died; that’s all I prefer to say on the subject.

Had I dwelled on the bad, the short comings in my life such as not knowing my father. Had I listened to the negatives that seemed at times to bombard me, or allowed my failures (and I’ve had plenty) to dictate who I am; I dare not think about where I might be today. Without a doubt there were times I didn’t believe I’d ever amount to anything because of my past. But if I’ve learned anything about God’s love for me, it’s that those failures and shortcomings don’t mean a thing to Him; He loves me just the way I am and is willing to make me better. As Lucado puts it, “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.” Nobody in the history of mankind could relate to being misjudged, ridiculed, betrayed and even unjustly tortured and killed like Jesus; and through it all His love for us remained the same.

This problem is self-identity can hold any of us back if we buy into the bad. But the truth is often those problems prepare us for something better, perhaps something you can share with others to help them see who they really are; I’ve witnessed it in the lives of ones that have spurred me on to believe I’m better than I reason.

Again, God sees and know us.  Here are some examples: 1 John 5:4 “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”  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.” 1 John 3:2 “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the NEW is here!

“Travelers of the Rock Road,” start seeing yourself as God sees you; someone special and incredibly unique because there is no one else like you with your experience and talents; you are beyond “Awesome!”

I’ll leave you today with more words from Max Lucado, for this is where it really starts anyway.  “You change your life by changing your Heart.”

See ya next time.

Strange, 24 hours prior I was playing drums in a band at a county fair for a large crowd. Now I found myself in a dimly lit hospital room straining to focus on images around me through blurry eyes.  Questions were rifling in my mind faster than I could process them. “How did this happen?” “How did it get so crazy so quick?” “Am I going to be alright?” “Should I even be alive?!” Okay, I better tell you the early part of the story before going any further.

As I mentioned, the band I was with was playing a venue at a county fair. It had been a great gig; outdoors on a warm summer night, crowd getting into the music and the band playing at it’s best. It was bitter-sweet for me seeing this would be the last time I’d make music with this great group of guys. I was playing more often with an older group of guys and that band traveled so it made it impossible to do both bands. My buddy Lynn and I had packed up all the equipment, taken it back to where we practiced and now were heading to see what we could find to do, in other words get wild. After going to a party and indulging in marijuana, we headed to my place to get some sleep. Ma worked the night shift and the house was locked up. No problem! I would just stand on the railing of the porch, grab the edging right below my bedroom window on the 2^nd floor, then grab the window sill and pull myself into my room. Piece of cake, besides I had done this many times before and yes, I was a lot lighter then.  So, what went wrong? I really don’t know. Maybe I didn’t have a good grip on the window sill; perhaps being under of influence distorted my judgement. (Gee, ya think?!!) All I know is I suddenly fell backwards 15 feet and landed onto the sidewalk head and shoulders first. Adrenalin must have surged in Lynn because even though I was a good 5” taller than him, he was able to pick me up, cram me into his small VW Karmann Ghia and race to the hospital.

I won’t go into a lot of details, but E.R. sewed up the gash in my head and placed me in a room overnight for observation. The doctor did say I was lucky to be alive considering how I landed on concrete. That night I didn’t sleep much; I kept remembering the accident and moments leading up to the event. I thought about all the times alone in the middle of the night I had done that stunt. What might have happened if Lynn hadn’t been there for me? I considered how fast the whole thing happened and how young I was thinking how close I came to ending my life. And the biggest question, why was I even still alive?

It was a couple weeks later when I walked into building where we practiced and there was Lynn talking to another friend who had aligned himself with a group of young people we referred to as “Jesus Freaks.” Lynn gave me a wave as our friend Bric kept talking about Jesus. I had heard it all before and actually thought I was okay in this area, just not as radical these hippie Bible-toters. Not wanting to be rude, I flopped down on the couch and listened as the conversation continued, and I heard words like I never had before.  “For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” “Neither life or death can sperate us from the love of God.” “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Bric left, Lynn and I popped opened a couple of beers and went on with life as usual. But the words kept coming back to me; death, life, eternal life. I didn’t make a decision that night but knew I had to look deeper into this subject. A year later on a dark night in the same bedroom I nearly died trying to climb into, I gave my life to Christ.

I’m sure some would say I made a choice based on emotions from a near death experience, but I don’t think so. Like I said, it was a year before I came to believe in Christ. It wasn’t a guarantee I would see tomorrow, but I believe God gave me a 2^nd chance to know His love and gift of life before it was too late. Because I care for each of you I only ask you take time to check God’s love, and His gift of life.

Now I suppose I could end my story there, but I don’t believe it’s about salvation and then sitting around waiting until I see my Lord.  Actually, I doubt I would have stayed with Christianity if that’s all there was, too boring. As I refer to this blog, myself and everyone else, we’re all “Travelers of the Rock Road.” And whether that journey is long or short, the question we need to ask ourselves is what is it we want to accomplish along the way. Dear Old Billy Graham, I think, said it well:

Our days are numbered. One of the primary goals in our lives should be to prepare for our last day. The legacy we leave is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives. What preparations should we be making now? The greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time that God has given us each day.

No argument here, thanks for reading.

See ya next time.