Mountain town
Having to do a funeral is one of the most honorable things that one gets to experience when you serve in the local church. Being involved in those moments of grief, memory and celebration is something that is taken very seriously.
Recently, being involved in a funeral led me to a little city nestled in a picturesque location between a mountain and a river. It’s the kind of place that you see in movies about small-town america. It was definitely a place that left an impression on me. I loved the pace of the town. I love the fact that waves were common when you passed another car on the road. The friendliness was obvious. What I like most about it was something else…
Above this little town is a state park that allows for excellent views of the entire city. From up on top of that mountian you can see, in great detail, the entire layout of the town. From there you can see, that the town is protected from flooding of the nearby river by a large levy that runs the length of the town. At either end is an interesting sight. Two enourmous gates at either end of the town can remain open to allow flow in and out of the city, but then close if rising waters threaten the city.
From high atop the city, it was clear how necessary these floodgates were. Without them there would be nothing to keep the town from being destroyed by a flood. They were absolutely essential to keep out a potential destructive force.
God sets up those same flood “gates” in our own lives. He gives us instruction and sets standards for us. He builds walls around our lives and hearts. He does this, not to keep us in, but to keep the dangers out. Often times we don’t understand why but God has been intentional in his design. He knows where the floods will come from and constructs a system of protection for us. He really does know what’s best for us. I’m thankful for that protection. Aren’t you?