The Long Ride Home

by Jonathan Spurlock
(Holts Summit, MO)

(Note: I used this illustration as part of a funeral message in January 2017)

Back when I was 11 years of age, I really discovered pro baseball! We lived about four hours away from Cincinnati, Ohio, at the time—which was no problem for me!

Well, I must have really pestered Dad because he promised that if he reached a certain milestone, he would take me to a game. And later that summer, he did, and off we went on a long trip to see my favorite team play a game.

I was as excited as could be! I had my glove, just in case we were near a place where either Dad or I could grab a foul ball or maybe a home run. Even though that didn’t happen, it was a great game, especially since the Reds won that night!

After all the excitement, I think both Dad and I realized we had a long way to go to get back home. We got a bite to eat and then headed back, none too anxious, I think, about a 3 hour plus ride along mostly 2-lane curving and twisting roads. But we headed back.

Somewhere along the way, I dozed off and slept for most of the trip. I didn’t wake up until Dad stopped the car, but I didn’t know where! Startled, I asked Dad, “Where are we?”

Dad must have seen the scared look on my face. He smiled and said, “We’re almost home.” Indeed, a few minutes later, we were home, and the journey was complete.

Some day, I will take my final journey. Now, if I can trust my Dad to bring me home after a 3-hour ride from the ballpark, I know beyond any doubt I can trust my Heavenly Father to take me all the way to my eternal home in Heaven. Do you have that assurance?