Route 66 has a special place in my heart. Besides watching the movie Cars with my three children when they were young, traveling on Route 66 was part of my best and longest vacation with my family. During one of the summers, I was teaching at Red Lion, Leanne and I took James, Daniel, and Lydia on a trip of a lifetime. While the centerpiece of this trip was the Grand Canyon, Route 66 provided a slower pace of life, a chance to slow down and reflect upon God’s beautiful creation in the United States.
And in the morning, long before daylight, He got up and went out to a [u]deserted place, and there He prayed. 36 And Simon [Peter] and those who were with him followed Him [[v]pursuing Him eagerly and hunting Him out], Mark 1:35-36.
As I wind down 365 different songs in 365 days from 365 artists in February, I turned to my son Daniel to help me finish the final stretch. Daniel led me to Chris Renzema. While I had several songs to choose from, the song Right Things seems to be a good fit for people still trying to develop New Year resolutions for 2023. As you listen to the lyrics of Right Things, may the words of Psalm 46:10 inspire you to be still by reflecting upon God’s creation of this planet.
In 1985 Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly, a high school student who becomes friends with a mad scientist played by Christopher Lloyd. When Doc Brown creates a time machine out of a Delorean, Michael J. Fox races into the past to save his friends life in Back to the Future. When his interactions alter the course of his families history, Marty has to convince his father George who is a teenager at the time to ask his mother Lorraine to the dance where they first kissed. After a band member gets hurt, Marty steps in to set the mood so that this moment occurs. Before leaving to return to the future, Marty shares a song that hadn’t been introduced to this generation, referring to this as an oldie, but goodie.
I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone [just one grain, never more]. But if it dies, it produces much grain and yields a harvest, John 12:24.
One of Jesus’ disciples recalls a special message within his gospel. During Passion Week, Jesus’ final week on earth before suffering, dying on a cross and rising again, the passage above was first spoken. Jesus is providing a foreshadowing of his future fate. While the disciples were oblivious to this comment at the time, Jesus knew this was his destiny, John 3:16-17. Just as a grain of wheat must die to yield a harvest, the son of God paid the price for all of mankind’s sin, Colossians 2:13-15. This is a promise for all generations.
The one who loves his life [eventually] loses it [through death], but the one who hates his life in this world [and is concerned with pleasing God] will keep it for life eternal.26 If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]; and wherever I am [in heaven’s glory], there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him, John 12:25-26.
In the passage above, Jesus explains the way to eternal life. However, this theory goes against what people are taught, from early education to pursuing a career. Like the line in the movie Cars “turn right to go left,” Jesus proclaims those who hate life on earth will keep it in heaven. Initially, this concept is hard to grasp. Yet, as you meditate, pondering these words, its clear you have to give before you receive. Until you develop a servant’s heart, putting others before yourself, human nature will pull you toward pleasing your selfish desires. Thus, as Easter Sunday approaches, may you long for a faith without hesitation, holding steadfast to God’s promises in the Bible no matter what happens in this life.
As I was driving to Florida for Spring Break with my family, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Cars. Sally was cruisizing the countryside with Lightning McQueen when his eyes were opened to the beauty of Route 66. Awestruck, Lightning asks Sally why he’s never heard of this place. Unfortunately, the completion of Interstate 40 bypassed this scenic overlook to save 10 minutes of driving time. Thus, the same story holds true for many small towns in America, on the verge of extinction.
While searching for a place to eat, fuel and rest for the night, I stumbled upon several vacant towns along I 95. Hotels were boarded up, gas stations closed and the majority of folks abandoned these once bustling areas. If vacations don’t stop citizens from slowing down to enjoy God’s creation, Psalm 46:10, several small towns will be forgotten, fading away from our memories. My wife’s words cut like a knife, “how can a hotel survive with only a few cars in the parking lot?” She answered her own question; they can’t!
When I return home tomorrow, I will bring a new appreciation for the back roads of America, trying to support mom and pop businesses as much as I can. By doing so, you are keeping alive someone’s dream as you savor a moment in time. Life is too precious to be in hurry, rush through traffic or snarf down another meal. May you and I remember the lesson of this Disney’s movie, taking each journey one drive at a time. Perhaps, these efforts might save a dying town in your neck of the woods.
Are there any small towns you like to frequent? If so, let my audience know.
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