In 1979, our family made a trip through the Western states. Pat and I, along with three teen-agers, were on what I later started calling “our family honeymoon”. Let me explain. In 1978, after nearly nineteen years of marriage (and three children), my first wife, Joyce, went Home to be with Jesus.

The next year, the Lord graciously brought a lovely, wonderful woman into my life. Pat and I had been married about six weeks when our family took off on a lengthy trip. We traveled by van from Florida to Texas, and then did more than 12,000 miles on motorcycles. We camped just about every night and cooked our own food.

As we crossed the mighty Mississippi River, we couldn’t help but notice the gigantic Gateway Arch. This gleaming, stainless steel structure was authorized in 1935 to honor Thomas Jefferson and others who fostered the territorial expansions of the U.S. to the Pacific Ocean. It was finished in 1964. The graceful Arch rises 630 feet above the river. At its base, the columns are set 630 feet apart.

In the Arch’s shadow, is one of the original buildings from the village that became St. Louis, Missouri. The Old Courthouse is the sight of the Dred Scott slavery trial. St. Louis is considered the gateway city to the western expansion of the United States. Hundreds of wagon trains left St. Louis, carrying the hopes and dreams of pioneers.

After touring the interesting museum (yes, there really is a mounted buffalo) under the base, we decided to take the elevator to the observation tower located at the very top of the Arch. The elevator travels inside the columns.

As we began ascending the Arch, a recorded message came over the elevator’s speaker. It told us that in order for the trip to be as comfortable as possible, the entire elevator capsule would make periodic adjustments as we followed the increasing curve of the Arch.

Every few feet, without even a pause, the capsule went through a noisy, ratcheting maneuver. The first few times were a little scary. I curled my toes up inside my big boots! (This curling reaction occurred every time I went over the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge in my motorcycle days of yesteryear.) Before long, we exited to the observation platform. From there we could look up and down the river for many, many miles. The barges, tugs, paddlewheel excursion boats, and pleasure boats looked like tiny toys.

The return trip, down the other leg of the Arch, was again punctuated by the periodic adjustments of our capsule. We were now old pros and scarcely noticed the movement or the noise.

WHAT LIFE LESSONS DID I LEARN
THROUGH THAT EXPERIENCE?

• In order for us to maintain some semblance of equilibrium in this life, we need periodic adjustments. At times, we need to change our basic life-style – eat in a more healthful manner, exercise, or drop a damaging habit.
• Regularly, our spiritual lives need adjustments. We may need to change our priorities so there is more time for study of the Word, prayer, or sharing with others.
• Often, there is a need to make adjustments within our family framework. Spouses need to spend more time together. Children and parents need to communicate on a regular basis. Families need to go on picnics, take vacations, go to ball games, support each other in school activities.

Many of us fear change. We get so comfortable with our status quo that we label all change “bad”. Change is often thrust on us against our will. We don’t want to leave our job. We don’t want to watch a family member sicken and leave this world. We don’t want to watch a loving relationship grow sour. However, change is inevitable. Sometimes, we have no choice. We do serve a God who promises that He will not allow any more to come our way than we can handle with His help.

By making periodic adjustments in our attitudes and actions, we can stay upright and comfortable. God stands ready to help each of us discover the specific areas where we need to adjust. He is also the only One capable of helping us make those adjustments. If these thoughts intrigue you, but leave you in the dark about the “how”, get with a close friend, a counselor, your pastor, or a trusted confidante. It sure beats walking through life with your head bowed down and your body bent at a 45 degree angle!

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