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Wayne Weekly “The 704”

Written by on September 14, 2015

Few things grab my attention, in a strangely special way, like the sound of a train in the distance.

 

I think most men have some kind of an interest in trains. Whether it’s the powerhouse of the massive engine that yanks, then pulls, then seems to effortlessly lead car after car down those wood tied and spiked steel rails, the mighty loudness of a close encounter, or the distant friendly but sometimes melancholy sound that breaks the silence, trains are mystically captivating.

 

Not long ago while preparing breakfast, I heard the song of a distant train rolling through my town. I paused to listen, and then checked the clock…it was 7:04. I said aloud, though no one but the dogs were listening, it must be the “ol’ 704” passing through. I had no idea about the number or name of the train, nor is destination or schedule, but calling it the “ol’ 704” seemed to work just fine.

 

I continued to take in the song of the moment. It was a symphony of steel on steel, the growl of the diesel, the hum of the electrics, and the horn, that wailing horn, making its audible imprint for miles around. I followed the “704” down the tracks in my mind until it disappeared into a memory.

 

Do you ever have things like that happen to you? Maybe it’s a fragrance in the springtime that takes you to a long past time. Maybe a sight that returns you back to a day gone by. Perhaps just a thought that stops time for a moment.

I wonder how eternity works. What kind of memories will we have after our arrival?

 

Certainly it does not seem that we will have memories of terrible tragedy in our lives, broken hearts, earth time regrets. We do know that “…we will all stand before the judgement seat of Christ” and give an account of what we did for Him (Romans 14:10-12). I would think that could reveal some sad moments. However, I think sadness or regrets would be temporary as “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…” at the creation of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:4).

 

All we know is that Heaven and eternity will be spent in joy with the living God in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And that will never be a mere memory…but an utter reality.