Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
The Right Bus to the Mountains and Hills
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)
“Number 8: Bunker Hill and Around the Mountain.” How I loved hearing those words. Going home from school was a short trip to heaven for me. When we first moved to the mountain, the teacher was about to put me on the wrong bus, but my new bus driver came to my rescue.
In many ways living on the mountain helped to shape the ministry that I love so much today. A Mountain named “Angel’s Rest” could do that. It was not hard for a boy to believe that God’s breath swayed the trees, or that every critter received life from God.
I found some fossils that had small shells in them. How did they get so high on the mountain? The story of Noah and the flood was a good enough explanation for me. (Now I know some of you have much better answers than that, but please let me enjoy my memories.) I never worried about evolution; the mountain had a manufacturing label on it that even a child could read. It said, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
It was people that made the mountain to be home. Without their love and presence, it would have been majestic, but not home. We had a wonderful family life, and every child should have an Aunt Clara to show you the hidden treasures found in the simple things.
“There’s a land beyond the river, that we call the sweet forever.” The very presence of Christ makes it Heaven, and the people we love make it home. A Gospel song says that Heaven is getting sweeter all the time.
Friend, make sure that you are on the right bus if you want to make it home. There are plenty of buses to choose from these days; but we had better inquire as to where they are really going. Do not let anything, or anyone put you on the wrong bus. Look for Jesus: He is the Way!
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
