Traveling north from San Francisco always brings back a flood of memories. Taking the trip from the front seat of a Greyhound bus was an awesome experience. Sitting in the front seat, riding high above the traffic, talking with a new friend, reliving old experiences, and seeing things fresh was great!
We actually left a half an hour late. Working our way across the Bay Bridge to Oakland to pick up a few more passengers, we headed north across the Richmond Bridge and by San Quentin. I could help but reflect on the prison in which we all live, bound by past actions and limited by self-needs. San Rafael continues to grow, traffic sprouting at every corner. As we headed north the dark green oaks on the rolling hills contrasted with the light dry grass. I know that some consider this scene rather boring, but I found the contrast exciting and energizing, reflecting the culture and soul of the people who live here.
By the time we made it to Willits, I was in awe. I had finished Lance Armstrong’s book on his bout with cancer, I was well entrenched in the Northern California scenery, and the driver and I were talking about life. Our conversations contrasted the harshness of corporations with the difference just one person caring makes. The landscape to come would drive us further into silence, dumbstruck by the towering hills, redwoods, and winding rivers.
I have made a lot of mistakes in my life, as have those around me. As I watch God’s handiwork roll by, I realized God used you and others to help me in my journey. Their mistakes helped me see God and for that I will be forever grateful. I am looking forward to the day when we all get in sync with God! If God does landscapes like the Redwoods, His parties will be awesome! “If the first thing the Jews did, even though it was wrong for them, turned out for your good, just think what’s going to happen when they get it right!” (Romans 11.15)
