Many years ago, I came across a little article titled, "The Station." Unfortunately I did not keep a copy, much to my dismay. Its message made an impression on me that I recall every so often. I'd like to share the writer's thoughts with you.

We board the train early in the morning for a long coast-to-coast journey. The train is crowded, but we smile and relax as we settle in our comfortable seat. We wave to the crowd as the train slowly pulls out of the station and soon leaves the metropolis behind. How beautiful it is to see the countryside. It looks so peaceful, with cows grazing in green pastures, flowers blooming, and the gently rolling hills in the distance.

But soon the scene changes. There are deep valleys with jagged ravines just ahead. And then our journey must take us over the snow-capped mountains that block our path. Does the engine have enough power to get us up and over them? What do we do if the train derails? These thoughts are brushed aside with the confidence that the obstacles will be overcome and our journey will be complete.

As we rumble down the tracks, the thought uppermost in our minds is the vision of pulling into the station. It's still in the distance, but we can visualize our friends and relatives smiling and waving us "welcome" as we slow to a halt. Maybe a small band will be there to greet us. We can hardly wait to arrive--it will be so wonderful--but we are so slow in getting there.

Perhaps you are visualizing that distant station in your life:

• "As soon as my child gets in school, I'll have much more time for myself."
• "Wait until I get that promotion and then my financial stress will be over."
• "When my kids get through high school, they'll be on their own and I can relax."
• "Wait until they graduate from college and start earning their support--then my life will be easier."
• "I must take care of my elderly parents and relatives--and then I can do other things."
• "I will finally have it made when I retire."

Do you see what the author is trying to tell us? We must experience the journey but cannot avoid the concerns and cares that go with it. We keep visualizing the station, but it always seems to remain in the distance. What the author wants us to realize is that the station we look for is NOW -- and only in death will the train pull into the station. Don't overlook the joy of present opportunities, and their frustrations while waiting for some distant day that may never arrive.

As believers in Christ, consider these thoughts as a reminder of a journey that has a purpose. We are stewards of what God has given us in time, talent, and treasure. Need we be reminded that we are now at the station for the constant opportunities God has abundantly given to his followers? You may never know what you mean to a child, family, or older person. God gave his son, and we, too, give in a way that is unique to each individual. He would have us turn away from these negative thoughts: I don't have the time now. I sure hope I'm not contacted.

I'm sure someone else can do it. I'll support but can't take the lead. I'm afraid of making a mistake. I know there are others better qualified. Turn them into these positive thoughts: I'll somehow find a way to make the time. I see the need and will volunteer. Now I know with God's help I can do it.

I'll lead with the talents God gave me. I'll see this as an opportunity to learn. I'll give my best to him.

One of my good friends, a medical doctor in Minnesota, sent me a letter after the death of our daughter, Sarah. In closing, let me share a portion of the letter with you.

"In the process of living, we don't control our creation or death. As we walk that road from one end to another, the tragedy of death reminds us of the beauty of life. We all can ask the question "why?", but in the end that question is never answered. The physical realities of life are apparent for all to see, but the emotional side of those physical realities are unique to each individual. There is a prime mover in the universe. Our understanding of this is grounded in Jesus Christ. This ultimately gives us meaning and understanding to our emotional and spiritual life. This is where we find strength in meeting the challenges of life."