December 2007 Newsletter


"A Road Called Time"

By: Brian Buehrlen


He came to me, my son, and longed for great adventure. His desire was to visit a land not foreign to him, a place he had been, but only once. Honestly, I was intrigued by his request, because generally desire is for that which is unseen or uninhabited. But I knew the boy, he was mine. I could tell there was wisdom in the request so I gave it consideration. He spoke of the place with great detail, but in this story I will spare you many of those. Something in the way the boy spoke told me this was a place only he had been, a road only he had traveled. Suddenly, and I'm not completely sure why, I was afraid. Nonetheless, I agreed! We would go together, to the beginning, and back. I soon found reason for my fear, I was to lead us to a place I had not been. But I will admit this place, this road he longed to visit, seemed familiar. So with his smile and my fear, we began our travels down the road, its name was Time.

We started in the beginning. It was cold there, on the road. The surroundings were stiff and stillness would come and go like an old friend. The sound of brittle trees cracking and snapping was almost unbearable when the air began to move. The noise was intense, and brought fear back to me. The fear was welcomed however, it was warming. I noticed through it all, the boy had held my hand. He was leading me, and it was comforting. In this land the beginning was celebrated, for that was its claim to greatness. And the king there was unlike the majority, he was different. He was much like his father, or so his name would indicate, to tell you the truth I don't really know. And so we passed through that land, safe and sound.

Next was a land similar to the first. You see the road traveled through many lands, we planned to stay on the road. Love was celebrated there and leaders were respected. If not for the cold passing through that region wouldn't have been half bad.

As we entered a new land we heard the roaring of great winds, we felt them too. The boy was strong, and we stood our ground continuing forward down the road Time. This place was green beyond imagination. Rolling, lush hills as far as the eye could see best I remember. The days seemed longer there but I can't be sure. The scenery was sight for sore eyes and we were tempted to play and roll in the clover, but I was against getting off of the road. For the first time I felt like I was leading the expedition, if only for an instant.

"All good things come to and end," is the old saying, and that they did. The next land was the land of fools. It was gloomy there and it rained.oh, did it rain. I remember one good day, in all the days we were in that land, the boy tells me it was a Friday. This sounds strange, but there Was a lamb there, one of importance. We paid our respects and moved on, just as we planned.

This land was a beautiful. Colors galore! Flowers of every kind lined the road there. At times my boy would blow them kisses and thank them as if they were adoring fans who had come from afar just to make his presence. It was here that the boy began to speak of his mother at length. I could tell he missed her. Without leaving the road, on occasion he would pick flowers, knowing in his heart each was her favorite kind. With those random stops we kept moving.I carried the flowers.

The next place was hot but not unbearably so. The travel was easy here and uneventful. But things would soon pick up, they always did! Kid's were playing and practicing all around and we watched, and walked.

As we entered a new land, it was apparent that independence was important. Lights flashed and popped through the days and into the nights. Resting was difficult but we managed. The days were warm as were the nights and often we traveled by the light of the moon. Schedules here were full and there was plenty going on. We stuck to the road minding our own business, trying not to interfere.

There's not much to say about the next land or the land after. It was hot! That's all really, just hot! People picnicked and camped and not much else. Our travel was slow here.did I mention it was hot! These two lands seemed to overlap. Travel was slow at first but soon squelching heats gave way to again bearable conditions. We pushed on!

The next land was a real treat! Pumpkins were being harvested here and prizes went out for those with the biggest and best. Travel along the road through this land was tough. The boy was scarred at times but didn't want to admit it. People weren't what they seemed in this land and tricks were played there, evil tricks. Afraid to linger, we made good time on the road. The weather was good for travel.

Just recently we passed through a land, things were dead or dying. Trees were losing their leaves and days grew short. Here, I celebrated! Nothing special, just celebrated me. People were giving thanks for the year's bountiful harvest and sharing with family and friends. The mood was pleasant as we traveled. Those were good days!

That brings me to now. In this land, the cold has set in, and to stay I'm sure. I don't know what the future holds but that's ok. The boy has reminded me that we will pay our respects to the lamb again, that day is coming soon.

And so our travels are done. We are home, to the here and now. There are many details I wish to share with you, but now is not the time, nor place. The boy and I have traveled and will travel again but this story, though about me, is for you. You should travel the road, with your boy, again. Allow him to lead, and you look for new perspective. I know you have been down this road yourself, we all have. After all, there is no escaping it, Time!

So, if you have made it this far it's probably more a miracle than anything else. But you are fortunate because here lie's the meaning, kind of. You see, I wrote this story for a reason. I thought it was a creative reminder of why December, for me at least, drags on and on. December is unlike any other month. It is the eve of one time and the dawn of another. December drags on because we think about what might have been, and also what will be. As people, we fear those things and fear slows everything down. We know we will someday be judged on all that has past and we know perfection is a must, and that we haven't been.

I could tell you all that the things in the above story represent, but I'm not going to. Should you try, I think you could figure it out. If nothing else, it will make for a nice piece of conversation between you and I. And, if you place it on your fridge your friends and family can see how weird of a guy your church has on staff.

I would like to leave with this final thought. There is value in reflection. Looking back on the past can do the soul some good. This Christmas season find the time to do so. Know who you have become this past year, fix the flaws and give God glory for the triumphs.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Brian Buehrlen