Stephen BlyCopyright@1993,2007
Over 100 years ago, the entire city council and mayor of Big Rock, Colorado, almost got tarred, feathered and run out of town because they delayed fixing the ‘excuse-me-ma’ams,’ that is, the potholes and bumps in the roadways.
Trails out west consisted of wagon ruts worn deep by men in a hurry to get someplace else. The city streets, especially in mining towns, seldom rated better. Few wanted to take the time to grade a road or smooth a street. So, they remained muddy impassible in the spring and fall, icy slick in the winter, and a ball of choking dust in the summer. That is, until the women moved to town. Then the code of the west kicked in.
To the men out west, it was an insult and beneath any woman’s dignity to hit a pothole or bump in the road. The gentleman in the coach tipped his hat and apologized with an “Excuse me, ma’am.” As far as he was concerned, the way should have been made smooth for her.
John the Baptist claimed a similar responsibility as his spiritual role. He came to make the way smooth for Jesus. And he enlisted others to be way-pavers too. “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him” (Mark 1:3).
So many obstacles keep people from Christ and his eternal truth. It’s too simple. Or it’s too hard to understand. It doesn’t relate anymore. Or they once knew a Christian who turned them off. Or religion got forced down their throats. Or they’re just too busy. Or too sick. Or they’re worn to a frazzle by trials and tragedies. Nothing makes sense anymore. On and on the list goes. . .potholes, bumps, dips, falling rocks, frost heaves along the spiritual journey.
What can you do to remove obstacles for someone near and dear to you?
Note: Just received the first box of copies of Cowboy For A Rainy Afternoon. Now’s a great time to order!
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