The Right Direction

Even when the troubles of one day seem near about more than can be stood, there are things all around us which keep us pointed toward the future.  Being pointed in that direction is always important.  I learned this lesson back in the days when I was pastor of the Talbotton Church from an older man who was a peach farmer.  I remember visiting with him one day while he was planting new trees  and when I seemed curious about him planting them when he was so old, he told me something I have carried with me wherever I have gone,   "When I am gone," he said, "I want my children to know I was pointed in the right direction."

 

I was reminded of Mr. Jordan's lesson as I was covering up an open furrow in which I had cast pea seed.  The seed which was disappearing in the dirt beneath my feet would one day reappear, first as a small green sprout and later the small green sprout would turn into a large vegetable producing bush.  While it is always important to live with a mindfulness as to what is all around in the present moment, we are also called to live with our eyes looking at what is ahead.  Even in the midst of this present trouble we need to stay pointed in the right direction.

The right direction is toward life.  God is always taking us toward life.  The abundant life promised by Jesus is ever before us.  At times it seems that life is being drained of anything good, but present day troubles do not have that power.  We are surely reminded of this as the celebration of the resurrection draws near.  Both the cross and the empty tomb point us toward the life which is always ahead.  Jesus went through the great darkness to eternal life and has promised us safe passage on this same journey which is always before us.  When it is all said and done in this life, may it be said of all of us that we lived pointed in the right direction.