Once again, Father, I thank You for Your presence and guidance on another bus trip –Junior Varsity Baseball and Softball at Cardington. A map from memory is a bit of a challenge and I haven’t been here since Massey played football for a game in 2010! I am blessed to have You with me!
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One interesting thing I have discovered on my bus route is the number of derelict buses I see! There are a couple of junkyards but beyond that, I know of at least four that are just sitting, falling apart on peoples lots. They could probably be fixed up and given life once again and maybe that is why they originally acquired them but I would guess that they will never again carry anyone anywhere.
Within the last few years, an old abandoned Methodist church building not far from home was finally razed after many, many years of disuse. The only thing salvaged from the structure was the bell. They wanted to save the belfry but it was too far deteriorated to do so. The bell sits in a re-creation of that belfry where the church used to sit (see picture) and you can still ring it, but boy is it loud!


In life, many things get old, fall into disrepair and are abandoned. But looking at the derelict buses and thinking of the church that is no more, the church bothers me the most. If we are going to maintain the important things in life, it takes time, effort, and resources.
Church buildings are important but the Church – that is, those who follow Christ as their Lord and Savior – now it is what is really important. We can maintain a structure but if its inhabitants are negligent in maintaining themselves, the efforts to do so are worthless.
As Christians we must be diligent in maintaining a viable relationship with Jesus Christ – it absolutely cannot be neglected! Yes, it will take time, effort, and resources. But it is so worth the struggle!
Lord Jesus, fire us up so that we are determined to love You with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and of equal importance is that we love our neighbors as ourselves. Maintenance of our spiritual relationship with You is crucial and bringing others along for the journey is of great importance as well! Amen!

Apr 16th, 2019, Tue, 4:49 pm