Pastor Larson’s Corner: Mind as you go

In an article describing their recent trip to Scotland, a couple shared something their bus driver said that really stayed with them. They were about to get off the bus to take a hike and the driver said, “Mind as you go; the path ahead is a wee bit rough.” His comment seemed to them as much a life philosophy as a warning about the hike before them. They said this phrase was one of the most important things they took back with them from their trip to Scotland.

This year, during the season of Lent, there were many ways for us to remember the rough, difficult journey Jesus took to the cross. Whether we saw His suffering vividly portrayed on TV and in the movies or heard the story told during worship, we were made painfully aware of just how much Jesus suffered. Reflecting on the suffering of Jesus helps us remember that we have a savior who knows about the rough patches in life. We have a redeemer who has “been there” and knows the depths of the suffering that we too experience.

As I enter what has come to be known as the third chapter of life, I find the words, “Mind as you go,” important words to live by. Because, as I have walked the path of life, there have been times when things were more than just a “wee bit rough.” I know well how easy it is to stumble and fall along life’s pathway. However, I also know that Jesus has gone before me and that He always stands ready to lift me up or even carry me if necessary. When we think that we can’t go on, we can look to Jesus to help us through even the roughest patches of life.

Pastor Larson’s Corner is written by Jerry Larson and appears weekly in the Norwegian American Weekly.

Pastor Jerry Larson retired to his cabin in Zimmerman, Minn., after 39 years in parish ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2011 he published a book entitled “Speaking the Word Freely: Writing with purpose, preaching with power.” Contact him at jerlarson@visi.com

This article originally appeared in the April 24, 2015, issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.