Oh how I remember those long trips with a vanload of kids back in the days when we had an active youth group! What a challenge! I should say what challenges!
There was the time when we took the youth to Lethbridge for a conference. When we started up Rogers Pass from Revelstoke the trusty "Super International" lost power, so we turned around and coasted back into town. It was such a joy to change the fuel pump and keep the kids occupied.
Later that day, after a successful repair, the highway became terribly icy and we ended up staying in Banff overnight. Thanks to a friendly motel owner, we got off without having to mortgage our house to pay the bill.
The next morning we did a donut when we pulled off the highway at Deadman Flats for breakfast. Thankfully, we did not take out the plate glass window at the truck stop. After all that, the trip on to Lethbridge was uneventful.
The kids had a great time at the conference, and the trip back to Clearwater went just fine - other than the fact that I was nearly deaf from listening too noisy kids all the way. But, you know what? It was worth all the scares, vehicle trouble, and patience trying antics just to know how much good the kids got from the conference.
That trip in the "Super International" Travel All went down in history! Why? It was successful. We had planned, scraped up some funds, and went on the trip knowing that we would be blessed by being at the conference. We all had something good to look forward to.
In reality that is what I think is the essence of our faith walk. The season of Advent began last Sunday (Nov. 27). Early Christianity saw the need to remind believers that, just like Jesus came the first time, he is coming again.
And when he comes wrong will be set right. Advent with its traditions and liturgy was the way early Christians urged one another to anticipate Jesus' return, just as Christmas reminds us of His first coming. The breakdowns, steep hills, rough spots and illnesses of life are all part of a journey with a purpose and goal. Perhaps you will utilize an Advent Calendar as you prepare for Christmas. It's a good tradition. We still have something good to look forward to. What are you looking forward to in life?
– Lloyd Strickland, Clearwater Christian Church