I've been thinking a lot about derailments in life. Perhaps it is about time many have experienced derailments on their tracks of new years resolutions. Weight Loss? Bible Reading? Family Time? Hobbies? Character Overhaul?
Let's face it. We've ALL had certain derailments. Some have been MAJOR, some have been just the slipping of the wheels from the track. What is important is how we handle those derailments.
While we were in Missouri on vacation last year, my family was "privileged" to witness the derailment of a train from it's tracks. Our family happened to be studying about trains at that time during our homeschooling, and the engineer was kind enough to explain simple (common sense) things to our children about train derailments. And, much of the principles he shared, I believe, can translate into the derailments of life, as well!
There are derailments due to our own human error, and there are also derailments which go beyond our control. Some human examples could be caused from going above posted speeds, brakes being used incorrectly, uneven loads causing rolling stock, etc. Then, there are errors which go beyond human control. Some of these may include things such as an out of gauge/slipped track due to cracks or loose ties, a clogged track (snow, dirt slides, washouts, etc.), or even parts failures such as broken axles or warped parts.
It is important to get a train back on it's tracks as quickly as possible. A derailed car which is allowed to sit actually can accrue more problems sitting there. Not only can parts bend and warp, but mud, rock, and the elements can make a bigger and messier problem. (Think of a coal car sitting on wet ground. They can CARRY over 200,000 pounds of coal. This doesn't even factor in the weight of the car itself. Imagine if that went off tracks, and what would happen if it sat in that wet soil for any length of time.) So, it's important to get the train back on it's tracks whenever possible. (There ARE times when a train car will never be put back on it's tracks, and I'll get to that later.)
The first thing done before re-railing a train is to figure out WHAT caused the derailment. That stands without an explained reason, right? But what about YOUR derailment? What happened when you got off track? Was it human error? Did you set your goal so high it was easy to become discouraged? Did you try to go too fast? Were you not utilizing the things you should have been? (ie. perhaps accountability) Or was this derailment out of your control? Were you even on the right track? Was this a GOOD goal? Did you pray about it and ask for the Lord's guidance? Did you let HIM make the route map, or did you? Are you doing it HIS way?
After examining the cause of the derailment, and making the necessary steps to fix the problem, you've got to get the train back on the track. (Remember the longer it sits, the harder it is to get back onto the track!!!) This takes some hard work. Sometimes extra crews are called in. Do you need to call in reinforcements? You might have to. And, that's okay. (As long as you have rightly determined that you are on the right track!) And may I add as an aside here? Getting derailed can be painful can't it? But, don't be surprised if you experience pain once you've figured out the problem and are getting the train back on... it may take perseverance.)
So, once you get back on the track, may I suggest you do as they do with trains? They don't go full-steam ahead immediately. First, it would ruin the track further (something I am not going to explain now, but has to do with the heat of a slipping wheel.) It also can cause more damage to the train, and you may not be certain that WHAT you fixed WAS the real problem!
When starting up a train again, it moves slowly at first. When you have been derailed and you get back on the tracks, it can be daunting to start out again. Take it slowly. Keep your eyes on the destination, but don't feel that you must race to that spot. (Have you EVER known a train to be on time? LOL!) Keep your wheels moving, and keep your eyes open. Make sure the conductor (you) is speaking to the Engineer (God). (It's always good to re-examine things... if you are a Believer, it is always the best policy to speak to the Lord- remember he's interested even in the "little things".)
And always keep in mind that derailments DO happen. Sometimes you may have been able to do something to prevent them, but not always. The key is to figure out what happened, and to fix it. Then, get back on the tracks (or to the RIGHT track) as quickly as possible. Begin slowly- going full steam immediately can cause more problems. And keep your eyes on the destination.
And for the part about train cars that never make it back to the tracks... this does happen occasionally. We were told that sometimes when the retrieval is more costly than the replacement would be worth, the train is left off the tracks. There may be some "goals" you have set that don't belong on the track. At least not for now. Sometimes, I make such goals and think they are good. I don't even consider what God may want for me or my family at that time. I just go full steam ahead and when those plans get derailed, I am stupefied. I can't find any human reason why I was derailed. I'll get back on, and immediately, I am derailed again. Not always, but there have been those times when I've come to the understanding that the track I was on, was the wrong track.
Sometimes the train gets transferred then to the RIGHT track, but there have been a few times when the train never gets back on. You may have had those times as well. Perhaps you are one who has longed for a child of your own. Trying for years. But you kept getting derailed. After searching your heart, the Lord led you to a different track. Adoption. Or perhaps you are one who was sure you were on the right track. You went to college. You got a degree. Then you moved to further advance your career. You THOUGHT you were getting to your destination, and then something happens. You lose that opportunity. You stop to reevaluate things and realize that the move wasn't for the advancement you thought it was, but for something far greater! So you end up switching tracks after being derailed from the one you thought you were to be on. And once you were on that new track, you understood the prior derailments. Sometimes, the Lord may bring you back to the original track again, and sometimes that track may end up never being on your route map. That train car of life just may end up sitting off the side of the track it was derailed from, and you will be brought to different tracks. Just keep looking to the Engineer, and don't allow complacency. He'll guide you, if you are willing to follow Him.
Isaiah 49:9-11
That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.
No comments:
Post a Comment