Word of Encouragement

As I have noted in some previous Words of Encouragement, one of the things that encourages me is when someone sends me something I can share with our audience. So this week I want to say “Thank you!” to Ken for sending me this beautiful video, “The Train.”

It’s a very powerful video that starts out with the words “Be thankful for the journey.” It goes on to affirm that, “Life is like a journey on a train with its stations, with changes of routes, and with accidents!”

I couldn’t help but think that in this COVID-crazy world, we’ve all been on a journey. Perhaps that is why this video’s message about the importance of relationships really hit home.

Hopefully, you can find the time to watch this short video. But just in case you’re pressed for time, here are some of its verses:

“At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believed they would always travel by our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will board the train and they will be significant….

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all the passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves….”

And since we don’t know, “at which station we ourselves will step down, we must live in the best way. Love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. And leave beautiful memories for those who will continue on the train without us.” Most importantly, be thankful for the journey.

As I watched, I started remembering the special people who have been on my train, people who have stepped down because the train had reached their station. Interestingly, for me these special people shared some common attributes.

First, they were unconditionally for me. When I messed up, they followed the adage, “Condemn the sin but not the sinner.” Second, they gave me a precious gift – the gift of time. As one of my friends likes to remind me, the best present a person can give is to be present in those moments of need. Third, they will occasionally remind me that when times are challenging, things will eventually get better.

This video also raised some interesting questions for me, questions that may also be relevant for you. For example, as we head in to 2021, what will my journey look like? More importantly, who are the passengers on my train, and how am I treating them?

Why are these questions potentially important? Well, when I was on a recent webcast with Dan Buettner, author of “The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer,” I learned that having at least three friends on your train can add four years to your life. But Dan also noted that aside from living longer, you’ll also have a better quality of life.

Personally, during my COVID journey, I have been inspired by the people on my train who have exemplified the spirit reflected in this verse from Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Let’s keep fighting the good fight and have a great journey in 2021!