Trudging Down the Trail

I was hiking along the old Oregon Trail the other day, on the path that leads to the west from the Scotts Bluff National Monument Visitors' Center. As the sun was just disappearing behind the nearby bluffs, half an hour or so before the official sunset, I started to think about the pioneers who had traveled that same route so many years ago. 

My trek was easy: I just drove my car the short distance from home, then got out to walk on the path for a while before heading back home again, an hour later. 

Those long-ago travelers didn't have such an easy time of it, though. They had to plan carefully, leaving Missouri in early April so they could make it to Oregon before winter. They didn't have any convenient bridges or paved roads, and no motorized vehicles. They had to depend on simple, canvas-covered wagons with wooden wheels, pulled by a team of mules or oxen. So much could go wrong. The trail was littered with belongings cast aside to make the load lighter, and graves of so many who died along the way.

When I see signs warning of rattlesnakes along the trail, I just stay alert, watching out for snakes, but knowing that the hospital is close by if I need it. The pioneers had no such signs, and little medical care. A rattlesnake bite would most likely have been a death sentence for anyone who had an unfortunate encounter with an aggressive rattler.

Until the travelers reached Ash Hollow, the trip had been relatively easy. Then, the Wildcat Hills loomed ahead, mere foothills of the real mountains to come, but far more rugged than any eastern mountains. Those pioneers really had no concept of what lay before them; the Rocky Mountains would seem insurmountable to so many.

I am sure that most of the men were excited to finally get their first glimpse of treacherous territory, which signaled some real progress. Most of the women and children were along for the ride--or, really, the seemingly endless walk across the country-- going wherever the heads of their families chose to take them. I think of the discouragement many felt when they realized just how many rivers and mountains they would have to cross before they reached their destination.

When the travelers saw the sun setting behind the bluffs, I wonder how many felt the fading light beckoning them to continue along the trail that led to their destination, and how many others just focused on the obstacles in their way.

2020 has been a treacherous journey for many of us. It can be so tempting to focus on the obstacles that seem to leap up to greet us, one after another. Covid 19 and its accompanying restrictions have changed our lives. Wildfires, hurricanes, hail, and massive storms have devastated the homes and livelihoods of thousands of people throughout the US. Riots, lack of employment, and the messy presidential election have caused tremendous stress, and even hardship, for many Americans. At times, the overwhelming atmosphere of chaos and hatred seems nearly insurmountable.

We hope for a light at the end of the tunnel, but sometimes, there seem to be too many obstacles in the way.

Some of the pioneers who focused on the obstacles simply turned around and went back to where they had started. The successful travelers were those who were able to see past their struggles, looking to the goal that lay ahead of them. In the same way, we can look to the light ahead of us, trusting that God will go before us every step of the way.

It's our choice: we can look at the weeds, or the setting sun.

We can focus on the treacherous ground, or on the majestic sky.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1b-3

Even in the darkest times, the rocky ground fades to black when we focus on Jesus, the light of the world. 

Jesus (said), “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16