A Book and a Beach

With cooler in hand and folded chairs in nylon bags on his back, a man set out walking to the beach. He wore a hat to shield his eyes from the bright summer sun and watchfully guided his small children along with him. From time to time, the man would have to pause briefly and wait for his meandering children to catch up. Sometimes in his quest to arrive quickly at his beach destination, his walk far outpaced the children’s ability to keep up.

In short time, the man arrived with his family at the beach. The sand was hot and the sun seemed even brighter as its rays reflected from the blue waters and the silvery beach. By now the man was beginning to grow tired from his load of beach gear and his continued watch and prodding of his children. He almost began to wonder why he even started out on this journey in the first place. Could it really be worth the hassle? Was the effort really worthwhile?

Then, lifting his eyes toward the shore and feeling the gentle breeze roll up from the water, he gained new strength to press on across the hot sand. He then remembered that by the water’s edge, he would be relieved of his burdensome load. He pressed on then and came to the place where he laid down his baggage. He unfolded the chairs, drove an umbrella in the sand under which he took shelter from the sun’s heat. There in the shaded comfort of his chair, he unpacked a book and began to read. He read and he rested. He watched his children frolic and play in the sand and water. From time to time, he joined them in their play, building sand castles and digging holes. Then he returned to his shade and his book listening to the cascading sounds of the water and the joyful noises of children, his children, tirelessly at play. With his wife at his side, he realized why he began the journey to the beach. He realized that the journey was worth the hassle and the effort.

I hope this simple story reminds you that the journey of Christian discipleship is also well worth the effort. There are many difficulties and hardships along the way but it is a well-spent journey. For at the end of the path, there is something even more precious than a good book, joyful family relationships, fun and earthly rest. At the end of the journey there is Christ our Lord, the One who is the very brightness and glory of heaven, who yet emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Yes, the journey is worth it! So, let us press on as pilgrims bound toward a better country with the joyous and triumphant anthem of redemption ringing in our hearts.