We look often upon paintings of that westward migration seeing the landscape dotted with the white canvas sails of prairie schooners, some painted and others humble aging wood but all pointed relentlessly toward the setting sun and a future alien to all they had previously experienced to that point in their lives.
There is something almost majestic in the artist's conception of those weary but hopeful faces leading the wagon train. Theirs is an indomitable courage etched into aching muscles and sunburned faces.
But what of those bringing up the rear?
While I was walking along today, my mind was filled with one of my favorite hymns. As I sang along with the lyrics causing dogs to bark and squirrels to flee, the words spoke to me rather personally.
On this day of joy and gladness,
Lord, we praise thy holy name;
In this sacred place of worship,
We thy glories loud proclaim!
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Bright and clear our voices ring,
Singing songs of exultation
To our Maker, Lord, and King!All too often, we focus on the folks in the front without giving much regard to those who were last in the line, perhaps still just as determined, still just as joyful and still just as dedicated but unheralded simply because they were not first across the arbitrary finish line of mortal success.
But what of those bringing up the rear and walking in the dust?
Well, the more I pondered the more hymns flooded my mind.
Does the journey seem long,
the path rugged and steep?
Are there briars and thorns on the way?
Do sharp stones cut your feet
As you struggle to rise
to the heights thru the heat of the day?
Is your heart faint and sad,
Your soul weary within,
As you toil ‘neath your burden of care?
Does the load heavy seem
You are forced now to lift?
Is there no one your burden to share?
Were they worried about their place in the kingdom because they weren't "first"? Or were they more concerned about finishing the journey through their sorrows and cares?
I am setting no land speed records. Those who move much faster than I do are given a wave and a smile and I plod along as best as I can in my own circumstances unencumbered by the expectation of finishing "first". Indeed, my expectation is not first place, but FINISHING the race that I have been called by God to complete.
Just as those weary pioneers of bygone days walking in whatever measured step they could, I do what my body allows on any given day.
I well remember the first day of this particular long-term trek of rehabilitation. I walked FOUR STEPS.
That's it.
Just four.
But for that day at that time, those four steps were a mammoth undertaking.
We tend to compare our worst to someone else and their best. We forget that none of us starts a thousand mile journey at the finish line and instead bemoan our lack of progress when compared to others who's trials we cannot see or fully comprehend.
God the Father didn't care that my first attempt was four steps. He only cared that I made the attempt and did all I could. He didn't care that others could do more. He didn't berate me for not equaling the task mastered by those further along or with differing struggles.
God smiled on my efforts.
Today, I walked the furthest I have been able to muster since that fateful accident of March 17, 2013.
Today, I carried my little handcart of faith for 2.87 miles. I may not have been the fastest walker in the neighborhood today, nor was I in danger of breaking any Olympic qualifying times.
But there is one thing I can guarantee you - I was faster and went further than any day that I have done before.
I ended my walk today singing "Press Forward Saints". That hymn has significance in many ways, but seemed particularly appropriate for today.
I pondered again those last in the line pioneers. I can imagine both their earthly and their heavenly welcome as family and friends gathered around cheering them on to their final destination, excitedly proclaiming that they had been praying for them and encouraging them along every step of the way.
It's not a contest between us and them.
It's a battle between our deepest desire and our personal difficulties. Everyone has trials. Everyone has challenges and everyone has their own pioneer journey to make in this mortal life.
Let's not compare. Instead, we can become cheerleaders for the efforts of our brothers and sisters.
We are ALL God's children and He wants us ALL to come home to Him.
It doesn't matter how we finish - first, last or in the middle. It only matters THAT we finish.
God bless... time to hit the showers and maybe a little Icy Hot.
But what of those bringing up the rear and walking in the dust?
Well, the more I pondered the more hymns flooded my mind.
Does the journey seem long,
the path rugged and steep?
Are there briars and thorns on the way?
Do sharp stones cut your feet
As you struggle to rise
to the heights thru the heat of the day?
Is your heart faint and sad,
Your soul weary within,
As you toil ‘neath your burden of care?
Does the load heavy seem
You are forced now to lift?
Is there no one your burden to share?
Were they worried about their place in the kingdom because they weren't "first"? Or were they more concerned about finishing the journey through their sorrows and cares?
I am setting no land speed records. Those who move much faster than I do are given a wave and a smile and I plod along as best as I can in my own circumstances unencumbered by the expectation of finishing "first". Indeed, my expectation is not first place, but FINISHING the race that I have been called by God to complete.
Just as those weary pioneers of bygone days walking in whatever measured step they could, I do what my body allows on any given day.
I well remember the first day of this particular long-term trek of rehabilitation. I walked FOUR STEPS.
That's it.
Just four.
But for that day at that time, those four steps were a mammoth undertaking.
We tend to compare our worst to someone else and their best. We forget that none of us starts a thousand mile journey at the finish line and instead bemoan our lack of progress when compared to others who's trials we cannot see or fully comprehend.
God the Father didn't care that my first attempt was four steps. He only cared that I made the attempt and did all I could. He didn't care that others could do more. He didn't berate me for not equaling the task mastered by those further along or with differing struggles.
God smiled on my efforts.
Today, I walked the furthest I have been able to muster since that fateful accident of March 17, 2013.
Today, I carried my little handcart of faith for 2.87 miles. I may not have been the fastest walker in the neighborhood today, nor was I in danger of breaking any Olympic qualifying times.
But there is one thing I can guarantee you - I was faster and went further than any day that I have done before.
I ended my walk today singing "Press Forward Saints". That hymn has significance in many ways, but seemed particularly appropriate for today.
Press forward, Saints, with steadfast faith in Christ,
With hope's bright flame alight in heart and mind,
With love of God and love of all mankind.
(Chorus)
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Press forward, feasting on the word of Christ.
Receive his name, rejoicing in his might.
Come unto God; find everlasting light.
Press on, enduring in the ways of Christ.
His love proclaim thru days of mortal strife.
Thus saith our God: "Ye have eternal life!"
I pondered again those last in the line pioneers. I can imagine both their earthly and their heavenly welcome as family and friends gathered around cheering them on to their final destination, excitedly proclaiming that they had been praying for them and encouraging them along every step of the way.
It's not a contest between us and them.
It's a battle between our deepest desire and our personal difficulties. Everyone has trials. Everyone has challenges and everyone has their own pioneer journey to make in this mortal life.
Let's not compare. Instead, we can become cheerleaders for the efforts of our brothers and sisters.
We are ALL God's children and He wants us ALL to come home to Him.
It doesn't matter how we finish - first, last or in the middle. It only matters THAT we finish.
God bless... time to hit the showers and maybe a little Icy Hot.
