Crossing Paths…

Here in what is called the Midwest, we carry the distinction of being the “Crossroads of America.” In the fair state of Indiana, you can get on a highway that will take you north to Canada or south to Mexico. You can head east toward the Atlantic Ocean or west toward the Pacific.

When you come to Indianapolis, the choices seem endless. Do you want to travel toward the Great Lakes or the Gulf of Mexico? Toward the Appalachians or the Rockies? Standing at those crossroads, you can find a road leading almost anywhere in this great country.

This past weekend, Ruby and I visited a community where we lived and ministered twenty years ago. As we traveled, it struck me how many of our lives have crisscrossed through the years like highways on a map.

Some relationships became destinations.
Some were waypoints that provided supplies along the journey.
Some were those places where we say, “One of these days, when we come through again, we need to stop and spend more time there.”

Some paths were ancient ones, formed by family ties stretching through generations. You know the conversations that begin with, “Remember when…”

Sometimes our lives run together for a season and then separate in different directions, much like State Road 22 and US 35 here in Howard County. As roads on a map intertwine, so do our lives. Some people merely cross our path. Some walk beside us for miles. Others become places in the heart where we dwell for years.

Those thoughts caused me to pause.

Some roads are built for speed and purpose—simply to get us to a destination. Others are meant for scenery. Still others must be traveled carefully. But as I reflected, I found myself wondering how those sharing the road experienced me.

Was I hurried? Distracted? Impatient?
Or was I kind, considerate, and forgiving?

It brought to mind one of my life verses from the prophet Micah:

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
— Micah 6:8 (ESV)

We never really know when our paths will cross, run together for a season, or become a destination in one another’s lives.

My prayer is that along the road you experience justice, kindness, and humility.

And be patient with me… I know there are still a few potholes here and there. I’m working on them.

 

Grace and peace,
Jarvis — From Soil To Soul