Rockfest Day 29 - Whistle Stop

People don’t take long trips by train much anymore.  In parts of the country many people commute by train every day to and from work.  But here in the United States if we are interested in long distance travel we typically do it by air or auto.

Back at the turn of the last century train travel was still the way to get around.  Travel by train looks to be so much more civilized and genteel than the way we herd ourselves into airplanes today.  Trains had sleeper cars, dining cars, bar cars, Pullman cars and the ever popular caboose.  Journeying in a train was a great way to relax and see the country at the same time.

The stations built to accommodate the trains have histories unto themselves.  Take Grand Central Station in New York City.  It is beautiful.  It has been designated a historic landmark.  Tourists take guided tours of the place.  The station has a life and personality all its own.  Even if the trains were to stop coming into Grand Central, the station would still be a draw.

But some stops along the way are smaller and not so grand.  They are little whistle stops where the train only stops if someone needs to get on or off.  These little depots along the sides of the tracks barely get noticed.  The trains not needing to stop just flash right by on the way to its final, bigger, grander destination.  If the trains were to stop coming by, the depot and perhaps the town itself would just fade away.

Whistle stops are important.  They are important to the communities they serve and they are important to the passengers on the train.  Whistle stops allow a traveling passenger to stretch his legs and catch his breath for a brief second before moving on down the line.  While important, a whistle stop is rarely a final destination.

We might not be travelling by train but we are all at a whistle stop.  No one is yet at their final destination.  I don’t care if you are just starting out or the CEO of a large corporation you are not yet at your Grand Central.  Our journey is long and it is good to stretch our legs and catch our breath along the way, but we must not take our eyes off the tracks that lie before us; off the journey that is to come.  We must remember to get back on the Train.

We are called to press on for that which Jesus has already laid a hold of us; we are called to forget those things that lie behind and reach for those things that lie ahead; and called to press toward the goal for the prize of the call of God. (Phil. 2:12-14). We are called to enjoy the journey but to get ready for more.

Look around, this station is really just a little whistle stop.  When the Train rolls by don’t forget to flag it down, hop on and take the ride of your life.  Next stop – the Original Grand Central Station.  I hear its Heavenly. 
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