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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16.


In 1979 I began my career as young analyst for a consulting group within Daniel Construction. My workday was in a windowless office in downtown Greenville cranking out consulting and market reports. As my career advanced, I traveled frequently across the US and then around the world. Somewhere during my first trips I began the practice of picking up a pebble from each location and in the beginning, I could remember the source of each stone in the collection. I collected the rocks in a box in the top drawer of my desk. Over the years the box filled with stones, coins, and pebbles from across the US and around world. Several years ago, I purchased an old used desk fountain at a benefit and found a home for the misfit collection of mementos.

Recently, I moved the fountain to a new location in my shop and wondered what significance this pile of rocks and junk had for anyone except me. I realized that these stones, shells, and coins represented memories carried home of new friends, events, or places…. but what did I leave behind? Did I testify to the good news of God’s grace? Did my example leave a faithful legacy?

I must readily confess that a faithful ministry was not a part of my early career mission. My agenda was based on work goals and client objectives. I retained only daily field notes, an occasional photograph, and a few memories mostly of bad hotels or funny travel happenstances. Traveling constantly for work develops an inward focus and a harsh exterior negotiating airports, taxis, clients, meetings, restaurants, and hotels. Rarely did I have time (or take time) to read the Bible. I would offer my quick obligatory daily prayer and jump into the tasks of the day and only rarely did I openly speak of my faith or seek opportunities to spread God’s word.

Some years ago, I found it an imperative to carry a travel Bible. I believe it is as essential as a toothbrush and comb. The refuge of His presence and grace found in the Word of God is always important at home or the road. The benefit of a life compass to a traveler is priceless.

In the coming days, many of us will plan our vacations, endure another work trip, or visit friends and relatives. So, as we travel this summer are we aware and watching for people who may be searching for the grace and comfort Jesus? Perhaps we will one day offer the prayer of St. Luke.

But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24.

I’m moved by the words of Luke and his faithful ministry. What if we changed our travel perspective? What if instead of buying tee shirts or collecting mementos we left a bit of our faith. What if we all can look back at each location we visited and remember the ministry we left behind? I guess we could leave a stone of faith and a sprinkle of God’s grace. Good travels.

Prayer: Heavenly Father we ask for your blessings as we travel. Grant us the awareness to recognize those who are seeking the grace, comfort, and love of the living Lord. We ask that you bless those who don’t know Jesus and open their hearts to His grace, forgiveness, and salvation. We make this prayer in the name of the Messiah, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.