(An account recorded by David Baker)
It had been a long day in the early spring, due to what I am not sure, and after dinner, I had settle into my large over-stuffed chair with my feet propped comfortably on an over-stuffed ottoman. Ahhhhh, relaxation at last.
Out of natural reflex, I seized the remote with authority and pushed the almighty “RED BUTTON”. Oh how I liked modern technology. No muss, no fuss just instant entertainment that allows my mental status to revert to neutral.
After a bit, Diana retired to bed and a great book, while I remained in that neutral state of mind with a moving picture and noise vying for my attention. Finally it was time for me to retire. I had all the excitement one can handle in a semi-comatose state of relaxation with intermittent interruptions of modern technology.
As I laid down to sleep for the evening, or at least I thought that was my plan, I dosed off. Now, I want you to know I am a person who can dream in living color and can have all kinds of goofy dreams. I can say I have not had a so called “Vision” or “Revelation” when sleeping. However, I was in for a journey I would never forget and that would change my outlook and perception of my role and usefulness on this planet earth.
As a point of reference, I grew up in awe of missionaries to foreign lands and awe and reverence of preachers and those that worked with the disadvantaged. They were the “REAL” powerhouses that changed lives. I did believe we all were a part of God’s Plan but I guess I did not stand in awe of “those Chosen People”.
Like I said, with window open, cool breeze coming in and all quiet, I laid my head on my old worn out feather pillow and went to sleep. That…… is when God took over.
I guess a person could pass the following experience that was about to unfold to hidden guilt, a bad taco or over dwelling on a subject prior to going to bed. But, none of the above applied.
I felt myself become coherent, but asleep and my senses alert (wow would that be a case for a shrink). As I watched, God paraded before me those who guided and paved my way to Salvation, THE CROSS.
The first to come in front of me was a man named Pat. Rotund of stature, minimal education and a late in life convert who attended our church and was the janitor in our grade school. The question came to mind, “A janitor? What?????” I then was allowed to observe him guiding me at school and at times gruff correction when I was doing things that were not right in the eyes of the Lord. I then was allowed to see what I did not see readily before, the smile and true compassion that I had missed and now saw how his actions made a difference later in my life.
As Pat left my sight, God brought to sight again, a man of modest means but who had one of the coolest ponds on his property for kids to boat, fish and skate on. This man was one of my Sunday School Teachers. Amazing, this man took on the task of teaching fourth and fifth grade boys, WOW. He was a mill worker and a farmer at heart. He cared enough to confront us boys about our relationship with God. God allowed me to see that this man had no formal trainings or formal education for what he was doing. God showed me that it wasn’t education or training that held our attention or stuck with us but a calling in this mans heart to share the changes that God did in his life with kids. No pressure, just an abundance of love. God then allowed me to see the bigger picture of how his words became woven with in my life and set a stage for a later decision I would make.
Next God brought a scene into view that took place in my early high school years. It was one that I thought was long buried never to rise again. I am sure there were many of these scenes that could have been played from my illustrious high school career but this one had a long term impact on my life. With out dwelling on the scene, God let me see the heart of a man that was a teacher in the public high school I attended. He let me see the love for students that a man who had a call to teach had for me and others like me. This is a man that was unafraid to confront wrongs with directions and paths of right. No condemnation but love and nurture and a willingness to ask for accountability and change and a willingness to walk with me when I needed him.
Then God changed the scene once again. The scene was the inside of a church. It wasn’t the church that I was raised in but a church for one Sunday I had agreed to meet a friend (that is a separate story of why). I listened that Sunday to words I am sure I had heard many times before but the preparation was not done so I could truly hear them and absorb them. At the rise of the service there was an invitation given. For what ever reason and what ever rationale, I moved forward toward that bigger than life alter. I still do not understand since my motives for being there were not to kneel at an alter. My original plans and motives were far from spiritual. I found my self knelt down and praying and to some degree was not sure why? I did know that it was right however, but not completely understanding. Suddenly I felt a hand grasp my shoulder and as I looked up I saw a very familiar face and a reassuring smile and a squeeze on shoulder of support. I now had the ability to see the deep, deep caring that existed from this man who had watched me grow up but had minimal interaction in my life. The assurance I felt and now saw said, “You did the right thing and you are going to be okay.” I was allowed to see the larger picture of how this fit in and it was this person that needed to be there.
As the scene closed out, God opened another scene before my eyes. It was a beautiful scene at night on an expansive sandy beach at the ocean. There was good visibility from the light given by the moon and the waves glistened and crawled toward the shore in a very comforting manor. There I was walking on the beach and beside me was my best friend. It was a time that I was struggling hard with the commitment I had made. I still had not given up some vital parts of my life to God. Areas that I used for “My Security” and my proof of who I was. God allowed me to see the love of my friend in spite of his own imperfections and issues that he was dealing with at the time. I saw how being available for God to use trumps our own circumstances in life. The willingness to speak in love and truth was powerful. The words that he said we correct and carried great power and comfort. “Let it go, the change is right” were the words. That night I left a knife in a log on the beach that was a symbol of what was being held back. At that point I cemented that relationship with Christ and fully engulf the change that has taken place. It would not be the last time I had to confront issue in my life and people coming into my life to help me through but it was the turning point that I would refer back to.
God had taken me on a journey to see how each person helped pave the road for my Journey to the Cross. I got to see the entire picture and the power that people, common people, have in our journey.
When I thought things were done and rest was on its way, God opened up one more scene. God orchestrated this journey and placed this scene last so I could see that this person is the constant that God places in our lives that is interwoven into every part of our journey. That person could be a friend, relative, co-worker, spouse, grocery clerk, boss or any one, but, the person God showed me was …………… My DAD. Through the tears, crying while semi conscious is amazing, but, it all made sense. The Road to the Cross is paved with many witnesses and direction givers from every walk and venue of life. The common thread found through all of them is the love of Christ and Love and Concern for those they come in contact with. The size of the role is not the important part but the willingness to be used is Huge. We should never assume that our journey to the cross is a “one moment I am not and the next moment I am” situation. There is preparation that is done by God’s people along the way.
Well believe it or not, I awoke and was wide awake. I sat in my living room for a time. I reflected on what went on and realized it was real, not a dream or a figment of my imagination.
As I reflected on this I realized that we need to encourage those around us to be faithful in all areas big and small because we are the pavement for many that pave their way to the Cross.
