By Rev. Pete Hyde
I turned out of the sub-division onto the crowded, school-traffic-clogged main road. Though it had been dark when I awoke, the sky had brightened from gray to pink and now to yellow as the sun floated above the eastern horizon. I turned east on the highway headed to the church to pick up from yesterday afternoon’s start on the leftovers from the Sunday busyness and get a start on the week. Lines of cars in both directions signaled the beginning of another work week for the nameless, faceless hundreds going about their usual business. The yellow sphere of the sun hung high above the towering forest of pines, baking them in unusual summer heat in the middle of September. Another week of unseasonably hot and dry weather is in store. I’m ready for fall – or maybe I’m just ready for a change.
The gravelly voice of balladeer Neil Diamond was playing on a CD in the car. It was an old song that was not one his many hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s titled “Glory Road.” The ballad is about a hobo with all his earthly belongings in a sack on his back headed somewhere where dreams would come true and life would be better. “Friend do you know the Glory Road? Friend have you seen the Glory Road? Friend I have found the Glory Road!” The lines of the song roll through my mind over and over. Oh, to just point the car to the horizon with no agendas (mine or agendas others have for me) and little responsibilities. Oh, yes, the Glory Road. But, alas, utopia does not exist.
Have we not all searched for the “Glory Road” at one time or another in our lives? Have we not all sought that place where dreams would come true and life would be better even when we admit to ourselves that we have it pretty good and that we are blessed beyond measure? Have we not all searched for the Glory Road and wished, dreamed and prayed we could journey on it? Have we not all searched with a bit of wanderlust in our hearts for a better place, a better time, a better situation? I know I have, and still do from time to time.
I wonder about all those who are led by the lines of headlights and followed by rows of taillights. Aren’t we all searching for the Glory Road? Perhaps the vision of a place where dreams come true and life is better has been pushed aside because our self-made obligations and routines burden us with self-imposed realities that no longer allow for such dreams and wishes. “Friend have you seen the Glory Road? Friend have you seen the Glory Road?”
My Bible opens to Psalm 40. “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God….Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for me. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” (V1-3, 5; NIV)
Another verse comes to mind: ““For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 29: 11-14a)
“Friends I have found the Glory Road.”
I Hope and Pray you have too.
Rev. Pete Hyde serves as chaplain with the South Walton Fire District
Author: Sowal Editor
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