Journey to Bethlehem: December 20 - Word&Way

Journey to Bethlehem: December 20

"Magical" Journeys

Today's Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Christopher Robin has always had his “Hundred-Acre Wood.” My friends and I had the woods at Sand Rock Falls. It was a “magical” place where we ran, played hide-and-seek, killed the enemy in a game of war and shot squirrels.

Jeff Allee serves as recreation minister at First Baptist Church in Cassville, Mo.

It was a great journey each time we ventured into those woods. We always anticipated what was just around the corner or across the next fence on our way to Sand Rock Falls. To get to the falls, we had to cross a couple of fences and a field and go through an opening that looked like an old wagon trail.

Sand Rock Falls was a large slab of sand rock, maybe 15 to 20 feet across, 20 to 30 feet long with a 4- to 5-foot drop at the east end. A small creek ran down the middle and over the falls. When there was enough water, we slid down the face of the falls into a knee-deep pool, climbed back to the top and slid down again.

Today, you can find initials carved into the rock. Each one holding a memory of the fun we enjoyed. It was always hard to go home because Sand Rock Falls was a special place.

In this parable, Jesus teaches that God gives us talents to be used to receive a blessing. Often as Christians, we miss out on blessings because we don’t take the opportunity God has placed before us. God blessed my friends and me with Sand Rock Falls.

Whether we’re on a trek to a special place or setting down to share the love of Christ with a person, we’re always on an adventurous journey. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the blessings God has for you. Use your talents for God’s glory.