Happy Trails to You

March 17, 2024
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
 
Have you ever stopped to think about the end of the trail?
 
In the late 1800’s, when the west was being tamed, the end of the trail was always a destination a place, like Oregon, the California gold rush, or maybe north to Alaska to dig for gold at the end of the trail.  But once you got there, at the end of the trail, there was always another adventure, another trail inviting you onward.  Technically then, you never find the end of the trail because it always gets moved.  Kind of like chasing after the end of the rainbow.  You think you’re almost there, but suddenly, you are not.
 
For many who begin the journey, toward the end of the trail, they never arrive.  Sometimes they die along the way.  The survivors bury the dead, say a homily, sing a hymn, hitch up the horses and continue onward, leaving a loved one behind.  Years go by, the wind blows, trees grow, the scenery changes, and even if you did return to pay your respects, the grave cannot be found.  The end of the trail for the one left behind really was the end.  At least the end of the trail here on earth.
 
Over my lifetime, I’ve come to many “end of the trail” stops.  Each stop met with sadness or joy.  Whatever the occasion, I decided long ago to not stay mired down at the end of any trail.  At every end, there is a new beginning, a new adventure.
 
Now a lot of people see the end of the trail as the day they die.  Not me.  Not even death is the end, but a new beginning, a new life in heaven.  There are a host of bunny trails you can follow, but only one trail has no end and leads to heaven, the Jesus trail.  Follow Him!  Sure, there will be stops along the journey, some good, some not so good, but don’t take your eye off He Who will never lead you down the wrong path.
 
If you are stuck at the end of some trail, don’t just sit there wishing for something different, be a trail blazer!  As Jesus said to the paralytic, “Pick up your mat and walk.”
 
Happy Trails to YOU!
Pastor Allan
 
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