Route 66 - Pt 1

[Jesus said] “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:12-14 ESV).

As you may know, Mary loves to travel. The statement that her “bags are always packed” finds new meaning in our retirement. We don’t have the ability to just pack up and go as some might; however, we do try to get away every few months. And, Mary also satisfies her travel desires more since she and her sister find themselves going to various destinations around the world. She and I are planning a trip to Boston in the fall, but we wanted to take a road trip sometime before then. One of those trips has always been leisurely making our way across the United States on Route 66. I am told that Route 66 is over 90 years old, and definitely, “a road less traveled.” All the information I have been able to glean from various articles and travel books indicate it is a trip worth taking. There are plenty of weird attractions to be seen along the iconic road that starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles. Heavy on nostalgia, Route 66 still provides plenty of interesting experiences. It is also known as the Will Rogers Highway. It was one of the original highways constructed by the U.S. Highway System in 1926. From its beginnings, U.S. 66 was designed to connect the main streets of rural and urban communities along its route because, at the time, most small towns had no access to a major national roadway. I know that exploring this route is a bit counter to the concept of Morning Devotionals; however, I thought it might be interesting and encouraging to take a few of the sights known to be of interest along the route and use them for inspiration as we are traveling our own “routes”. The Scripture has a lot to say about our journey through life. In our reading this morning Jesus encourages us to take a path that is difficult (it is “narrow”), but it leads to “life” (v. 14). Hopping in our modern vehicles and traveling down the road is certainly not difficult today. With climate control systems, satellite music, and plush interiors we certainly don’t lack for comfort. So, you may ask how there is a comparison? After all, most of us have experienced circumstances that are the very antithesis of a vacation trip across America. I think that we will see it is not the traveling that provides us with encouragement; rather it is what we discover along the way that makes the trip worthwhile. And, our ultimate end to any trip being “home” makes it the ultimate prize!