The Value of Houses and Lives

If you own or rent a property, most likely you have to cut the grass.  Perhaps you also have landscaping and gardens to maintain.  It’s a regular job to keep everything looking nice and neat – otherwise things can get out of hand in a very short time.

Yards aren’t the only thing like this.  We see this with houses and old buildings that have become neglected – and possibly abandoned.  A well-maintained property can quickly take on an unsightly look in little time if the yard becomes unkempt, or upkeep of the buildings slows down or stops.

Likewise, many of us have watched television shows that have to do with remodeling homes.  We see how the places looked before they began.  As the work progresses, you and I may become fascinated with the renovations being made – and how they’re being done.  Finally, we can’t wait to see how the houses look once the projects have been completed.

Some of the homes are done as flippers – they’re places that are bought, receive some work, and then resold – hopefully for a profit.  Other residences are acquired, with the idea of being renovated to meet the present and future needs and desires of the new homeowners. 

The work done to flippers often is cosmetic – perhaps some new paint or landscaping to increase the curb appeal.  Maybe the kitchen gets a makeover with new cabinets, sinks and countertops.  Or perhaps the bathrooms get updated.  In other words, small projects are done to try to increase the value of the property.

On the other hand, a home that is renovated for the buyer to move into may have more extensive work done.  New plumbing and updated wiring may be run throughout the structure.  The house may receive a new furnace or air conditioner.  An addition may be constructed and corrections to the building’s foundation are possibly made.

A house’s appearance not only speaks of the owner, but also gives insight into a particular neighborhood.  The value of a place can rise or fall partially on the condition of the properties that are nearby.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about property upkeep quite a bit.  Perhaps, it’s because of some recent family outings.  It may also have to do with the dirt that I’ve been having to wash out from under my fingernails the past few evenings after working outside.

Our houses and properties are an extension of who we are.  Their upkeep, or lack of, often gives others an impression of who we are – whether it’s true or not.  While we should never do something to impress others, it makes me wonder what our lives say about God.  Every facet of how we live is an argument for, or against, our relationship with our Creator.  Do others want to know our Father from what they see in us?  Or do our words, actions and deeds speak against any relationship that we claim to have with God?

I’m also reminded that you and I are stewards of all that God gives us.  Everything that we have isn’t really ours – but items that the Father allows us to use.  Do we use the possessions, time, energy and every other blessing at our disposal in ways that honor Him?  Or do we neglect what He has given to us?

Along the lines of stewardship, is another question.  What are you and I investing in?  Are we building into the lives of others around us?  You see friend, it’s not just our lives – and property that we have to maintain.  Each one of us has also been entrusted with helping to add value into the lives of those whom God brings into our lives.

Each one of us is a fixer-upper – a project that only can be transformed by the love and power of God.  Let’s consider how our lives and stories can bring value to others by allowing them to see the Father’s love and grace at work in us.

Have a great day!  😊

Opportunities to Grow

I recently came across a quote that is often credited to Thomas Edison.  It says that “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

There’s a lot of truth to this.  We live in a world where people often look for easy solutions to their problems and challenges.  In a world where many individuals expect quick, high levels of service, we often become impatient when things don’t arrive on time, or our lives don’t go on a schedule that we planned out.

Thinking about this, how often do you and I make plans?  Even when our ideas seem honorable and God-pleasing, we often run quickly towards the direction that we have determined that we want to go in.

Yet, how often does life turn out differently than what we were expecting?  Perhaps, you or a loved one gets a health diagnosis that isn’t wanted.  You may have problems with a child – or are unable to have children.  Maybe a job or career didn’t go the way you had expected it to go.

The reality is that life is messy – it doesn’t normally go as planned.  Or does it?  Perhaps not by our plans – but how often do we stop and surrender our plans to God?  Do we submit our will to Him?  After all, He is the one who created us and gives us purpose – to love and honor Him.

Proverbs 3, verses 5-6, tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” 

Our wills and plans don’t always align with God’s.  This has been a discussion that my wife and I have had many times.  When we got married, our plan was to have several children.  Many years later, God has blessed us with one son and allowed him to be gifted with ADHD.  It’s through his struggles and successes that my wife and I are learning compassion and gentleness in ways that we may not have otherwise.

Likewise, I have often dreamed of having a fleet of trucks – since I was a toddler.  Now, several decades later, that goal often seems to be an unattainable dream – although I do know that God can still make that happen, if He desires to.  It does leave me asking if having trucks was my plan, or was it God’s?

My wife and I have talked many times about God’s plans.  Are our goals so important to us that we put them ahead of Him?  Neither of us wants our plans to come between us and our Father – and we definitely don’t want to miss out on what He might do in our lives.  The reality is that God will always work out His plans – whether we cooperate with Him or not.  Do we want to be in the center of God’s will, or does He have to use someone else to fulfill the purpose that was meant for us?

Opportunities are often found in surrender.  It’s only when we allow our plans and goals to be molded by God, and not by us, that He can fully use us.  The choice is ours.  God told Isaiah, in Isaiah 19, concerning the Israelites during their Babylonian captivity, that He was making a way through the wilderness. 

What often looks like a missed opportunity may be a blessing in disguise. Would our lives always honor God if our plans worked out how we thought that they should? Perhaps, it’s the Father’s mercy that prevents some of our goals to come to fruition.

When we patiently seek God’s plans, He will always lead us out of our “wilderness.”  Let’s draw close to the Father and trust Him for the opportunities that He desires to give us.

 Have a great day!  😊

 

A Passing Picture

A few weeks ago, my family had to stop at a grade crossing for this short local in Fresno, Ohio.  The Ohio Central crew was heading north to work some customers around Baltic and Sugarcreek on a onetime Wheeling & Lake Erie line.   

Normally, I would have been interested in watching a train pass by. But that evening, we were just a few short miles from home – on our way back from a family vacation. After driving several hundred miles that day and spending many hours on the road, the thought of finally being home sounded great. So, I was slightly disappointed by the unexpected delay.

As we approached the crossing, the lights were activated, and gates were lowering.  The first locomotive was soon over the crossing, before I thought to get a picture.  After a handful of cars had passed, the local’s trailing engine finally rolled across the crossing – allowing me a quick shot.  The picture wasn’t a great shot – taken through a window of my vehicle.  But sometimes you have to do the best you can in the moment. 

Perhaps I would have passed up this shot for another day, but the General Electric Super 7’s on this local are running off their last miles.  Within the next few months, the rare units will likely be sidelined as they’re part of a group of locomotives that are scheduled to be decommissioned and scrapped.  But for now, a few of these units are still in operation. 

The line in the picture was built by a predecessor of the W&LE.  Passing through several owners, the route was a candidate for marginalization before being sold to the Ohio Central in 1988.  Today, the road is part of Genesee & Wyoming.  

We may not always get the opportunity to take the perfect picture. But, then again, you and I are always watching history pass before our very eyes. Photos – even imperfect ones, help us to record what we have seen.

An Endangered Toaster

A January 2023 article in industry publication, Railway Age, was written about a recent settlement between the United States and Genesee & Wyoming.  At issue were emissions violations that the government said that G&W had committed.  As part of the agreement, nearly ninety older, compliant locomotives in the G&W fleet are to be destroyed and scrapped over the next three to four years.  

There’s a certain logic between the settlement. I understand the value of maintaining an up-to-date fleet. From accounting, compliance and mechanical perspectives, it often makes sense to run newer equipment. In fact, that’s why many people prefer to own newer personal vehicles – because we don’t want to make continuous trips to the garage for costly repairs.

Saying that, I will admit that I love old iron – whether railroad equipment, trucks, cars or farm equipment.  There’s something about these vintage vehicles that I find fascinating.  Whether it’s nostalgia, their staying power or the fact that older pieces of equipment seem to generally last longer than newer things, I can’t say.  I do know though, that I’m not alone in sharing this sentiment.  There are many clubs and individuals across North America – even the world – who are committed to preserving old equipment.  

Reading the settlement and seeing which locomotives were to be destroyed is disappointing. Many of those units have much life in them – and just because they’re older and perhaps less efficient than some of today’s equipment doesn’t mean that they’re not still valuable. Besides, I’m sure that they’ve already paid for themselves!

Of particular interest to me as I read the “destroy” list were several General Electric locomotives on the Ohio Central.  Although I’m generally a fan of GM-build locomotives, many of these GE “toasters” have been on the Buckeye Route for nearly two decades.  In fact, a couple of them were painted in the once-independent road’s maroon, gray and yellow livery before the line got bought by Genesee & Wyoming.     

Officially known as B23-S7’s, these locomotives were also referred to as “Super 7’s”. They were rebuilt from U23B’s that once pulled freight trains between Salt Lake City/Ogden, Utah and Oakland, California for the Western Pacific. General Electric rebuilt sixteen of these former WP units. Two shortlines, Roberval & Saguenay in Canada and Monongahela in the U.S. bought thirteen of them, with three being retained by GE.

In the early 1990’s, the Monongahela was purchased by Conrail.  As part of the acquisition, the MGA units traded their gray paint for CR blue.  Then in 1999, the 10 units got separated as part of the Conrail split up – with many of the units going to Norfolk Southern and the rest going to CSX.  Finally being retired, many of these units ended up on shortline and regional roads – with G&W eventually acquiring the majority of this unique class with its purchase of the Ohio Central and Providence & Worcester.  Today, one other independent shortline owns two of these units – and at last check, wore the red and yellow colors of another classic, long-gone line, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific.

One of the units on the list is of particular interest to me.  Ohio Central 4099 once saw regular service on the OC’s former Wheeling & Lake Erie line.  While my wife doesn’t have an interest in trains, she got so accustomed to seeing that particular unit pass through the area that she would look to see if it was on passing trains.

Now with the writing on the wall for these units, let’s consider the tales that these locomotives once told – through the 4099.

Built for the Western Pacific, the unit then numbered as WP 2265, worked on road freights and locals over the Feather River Route. It could be seen pulling loads of agriculture products out of the farming communities of central California or powering mixed freights and intermodal traffic moving between the Midwest and Pacific coast.

Rebuilt as Monongahela 2310, the unit could be seen powering trainloads of black diamonds.  The regional operation connected coalfields in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia with outside markets.  Under Conrail and Norfolk Southern, the unit would stray far from the MGA lines.

Eventually, the Ohio Central would acquire the unit from another shortline and provide a place for it to run – less than three hours from the coalfields where it had started its life as a rebuilt locomotive.  Seen in local and road train service across the OHCR’s Southern Lines, the unit would be repainted in G&W colors and continue to rack up miles.

As seen here, a few Super 7’s are seen working on the Ohio Central. On a line where Wheeling & Lake Erie and Nickel Plate Road Berkshires and Mikados once ran and Ohio Central maroon once ruled the rails, these locomotives are another reminder that change is inevitable and that we should never take anything for granted. It’s important to get pictures and enjoy the opportunities while you have them.

A Diesel-Fueled Podcast

For those who know me, or have followed me for very long, then you are aware that I love trucks – and railroads and farm equipment, as well.  I sometimes tell people that I’ve got diesel flowing through my veins.  

Like many people, I’ve been around trucking since I was little.  In fact, my first truck rides were before I was born – when Mom would occasionally go on a Saturday milk run with Dad.  Since then, there’s not been a truck cab that I wouldn’t climb in – at least once.  I even remember one old truck that sat behind my grandfather’s truck garage that I would sometimes play in as a boy – even with yellow jackets and bees flying nearby.

Yet, I’ve come to realize that trucking isn’t everyone’s dream job.  In fact, there are quite a few people who don’t think too highly about trucks or truck drivers.  For that, I’d ask them to not judge a book by its cover.  After all, you never know what you may find on the inside.

This brings me to a series of podcasts that I recently started listening to. The show’s namesake is a trucking company owner. His passion for the industry goes deep – for in addition to running a fairly large fleet and having a podcast, his crew just debuted a rebuilt show truck.

Yet, for all of this, he and his two co-hosts don’t just talk about trucking, but life in general. Their conversations are often humorous to listen to.

In many ways, I can relate to the discussions that these three guys have.

Trucking is not just about the equipment.  Even more important are the people who are involved in the industry.  In a world that’s filled with negativity, men and women who do their jobs with humility, professionalism and pride in their work help to positively affect trucking.  In fact, those traits are valuable to have for any job – if it’s worth doing, then shouldn’t it be done with integrity and enthusiasm?

The guys on that show have also talked about the importance of faith and encouragement.  Those traits are valuable in every area of life.  

Often circumstances can weigh us down if we allow them to.  We’re not supposed to handle the hard times on our own.  Rather, each trial is a means for us to grow closer to God – giving us an opportunity to build a relationship with Him and with others.  

Regardless of where you’re at in life, there is a reason why you’re there.  Let’s seek God while serving and encouraging one another.

Have a great day!  😊

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Are You Leaving Things Better?

Each of us have countless opportunities in life. We may recognize some of those moments. Yet, at other times, you and I may not be aware of them.

Whether we realize it or not, each one of us has been given unique gifts and talents. These blessings aren’t for us to keep to ourselves, but for the benefit of others.

Having been involved in 4-H for many years, their motto “To Make The Best Better!” has special significance to me. While that program was geared to help individuals grow, it also helped to foster a sense of serving others.

But, making things better isn’t just a value promoted to me by a youth program. We see this lesson throughout the Bible as well.

God’s desire is to have a relationship with each one of us. Since the fall in the garden, He instituted ways to have fellowship with people. Yet, at the right time, God “made the best better” – through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.

We’re all given opportunities to make things better – by giving back to others and improving the communities that we call home. Yet, for Christ-followers, that blessing to serve should be at the core of who we are – because that’s the nature of the Holy Spirit who lives within us.

Let’s look for ways to serve others and help improve the communities around us. We have a great opportunity to show God’s redeeming love while making the best better!

Have a great day! 😀

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

A Time for Others

One of the greatest privileges that each of us has is to get to know the people who God surrounds our lives with.  It’s not just a blessing, but a huge responsibility.  

Do we take time to know the people who we meet? Or, are our lives too busy for others?

Each of us is given a certain amount of time here on earth. We often think about that time as being “ours”. It’s looked at as something that we own – a type of commodity that we can give based on who, or what, we value.

Let’s remember that first and foremost, we must make time for our Creator. Without God, we wouldn’t be here. It’s because of Him that we’re able to live.

Then, as we think further, how many of us really own our time? Our lives aren’t something that we can hold onto – the clock will eventually run out for each one of us. The worth of our time, in the end, won’t be valued by what we spent it on, as much as who we gave it to.

So, take a look around you.  Who’s in your life?  What type of time are you giving to your family and friends?  Looking further, what about the people who you meet throughout the day – even the people that you encounter as you work or run errands?

Each person is an individual who is special – simply because God chose to create them! That He would choose to allow us to cross paths with them should be seen as a remarkable opportunity and great blessing!

So, what are we doing with our time? Are we honoring and pursuing God with it – and, are others feeling valued by the care and attention that we’re showing them?

Have a great day! 😀

Maroon Switchers

It once seemed like most tourist railroads in the eastern United States had elderly ALCO switchers on their rosters.  With that power and a handful of old commuter coaches, they were in business and ready to haul passengers – or, so it seemed!

Former Ohio Central No. 400 reminds me of an earlier period on The Buckeye Route. It brings back memories of one of the first engines on the OC’s roster – a former Timken Company switcher, numbered 12.

No. 12 wore a darker maroon paint scheme that seemed to match the road’s passenger coaches.  Later repaints, like 400, would wear a lighter shade of the color.

During the tourist season, from May through October, the little engine could often be found in Sugarcreek. It would serve as the alternate power for the steam engine used on the passenger trains. In addition, the diesel could sometimes be found switching the various brickyards around town.

Growing up along the Ohio Central, I had several opportunities to ride their trains. Living about two hundred feet from the track, different crews would occasionally stop in front of the house and invite me to ride into Baltic with them – about five miles away. After leaving the train in town, I would get dropped off as the crew drove back to Coshocton in a company vehicle.

One evening I was invited to ride along to Baltic. However, arrangements were made for me to ride home on No. 12, which was shuttling some coaches from Sugarcreek to Coshocton. When we reached the siding at Baltic, I got off the freight train and climbed into the cab of the old switcher. A ten mile, two hour ride on trains was pretty fun stuff for anyone who was fascinated with railroads – especially someone who was about twelve or thirteen years old.

The 12 would later leave the Ohio Central’s roster. Passenger trains would also become a thing of the past – along with the road’s independence. But, for one brief evening many years ago, I got a chance to enjoy a ride over Baltic Hill in the OC’s first maroon engine.

Pray for Afghanistan

Today has been declared as a day to pray for the people of Afghanistan.

Like many, I’ve been tormented by what I’ve seen and read over the past few days. How could such a thing happen? In fact, some people may be asking where God is in all of this – or, maybe they’re wondering if He really even cares?

Yet, God is not distant – and yes, He is concerned. We must see this as an opportunity that the enemy created. One, that God is able to use to draw His church to Himself.

The Father isn’t slow to work and He doesn’t waste opportunities to show His power, love and grace.

Perhaps, God is also wanting to draw all of us to Him. We live in a world that is divisive – over things that aren’t eternal! Yet, many of us find our worth in our identities and personal thoughts. As much as we place our value in such things, God is more concerned with our obedience than He is with our opinions.

Like Mordecai told Esther in their day, you and I were created for such a time as this! We are not here to share our opinions. Rather, you and I are here to show God’s love, grace and mercy – to stand in the gap for those who are defenseless and seek to show God’s love to those who may not seem to deserve it.

Let’s not waste this opportunity to humbly come before God! As God wants to save those who are in harm’s way, I believe this is also an opportunity for His followers to repent and seek Him – a time of personal and corporate revival.

#PrayForAfghanistan#PrayforRevival

Choosing How We React

How often do we say the first thing that comes to mind?

Every word spoken, and each action taken, is a choice that we make. We get countless opportunities each day to decide how we’re going to respond.

If we’re being honest, our first thoughts about someone or something may not always be kind or an appropriate response. In addition, we all face temptations that are unique to us individually and play into how we respond to one another.

What we do with our thoughts and feelings say a lot about who we are. They reveal the conditions of our hearts.

We may not always agree with others, but they still deserve to be listened to. Let’s give time to hear them and consider what they have said before we answer them.

Let’s show others the love of Christ by choosing to react with kindness and compassion.

Have a great day! 🙂