The whir-and-the-wind

On life’s journey we can’t always know what’s around the next bend… but we should know where we’ll be in the end.


It was getting dark, the rain was light and the interstate was heavy. Folks were headed home from work or to happy hour or... wherever it was; they were in a hurry.


Stranded, we watched from our roadside seats.

“Where’s everyone going” I wondered; thousands of people going hundreds of places at seventy miles an hour. All headed somewhere; but ultimately one of two places: Heaven or hell. All different, yet all alike in our need and desire for the same thing: love; (and to avoid rush hour traffic).

“The truck’s here.” She said.

“Good, with his flashing lights, maybe now the cars will move over.” They didn’t. Some couldn’t. But those who could and should wouldn’t.

“Thanks for coming. Won’t they move over?”

“They never do.” The tow truck driver said matter-of-factly. He motioned for the oncoming traffic to move into the other lane; they didn’t. He ignored them and inspected the flat, sized up the camper hooked to the truck; the narrow shoulder I was parked on, and just shook his head.

It felt like a bucket of cold water each time the whir-and-the-wind would hit from a passing vehicle. I was already frustrated by the events of the evening. The spat, the rain, the flat and now the behavior I perceived as down-right-rudeness just added fuel to the flame. We were stranded and no one seemed to care. Didn’t they realize the danger? How could everyone be in such a hurry that they wouldn’t even change lanes? Why wouldn’t they make room?

Ever been there?

You need help, but no one seems to notice; they just buzz by hitting you with the whir-and-the-wind. The doctor’s report has you stranded, the world keeps on rolling. The bank account’s gone flat, the whir-and-the-wind from bills continues to slap. Your heart is broken and no one seems to notice. SPLASH the whir-and-the-wind of the busy world leaves you staggering in its wake.

Or, you have a great idea; a plan, a book to write, a song to sing, a vision to share, a story to tell. But the whir-and-the-wind of rejection quenches your flame.

Standing stranded alongside the road can make one feel alone; rejected, even hopeless. I know, because I did. I watched the world drive by. I thought; “I deserve it. After all I’ve driven by others in the same situation…This is punishment for my ornery ways.” Each accusation cold and bold slapped with the whir-and-the-wind, and a biting shiver.

And then a gentle breeze warmed my soul. The wind and the whir could not be heard. A still small voice whispered. And I knew I was not alone.

“No room in the Inn. I’ve been there. I AM here.”

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. Heb. 4: 14-15

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Is. 41:10

I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. ~ Jesus. Matt. 28:20