Driving the Dragon - I can't say we weren't warned. The sign is very clear...something like, "Dangerous Curves the next 11 miles".  318 of them to be exact. No. I didn't count them, but that's what all the information says. I believe it. It's a stretch of road through the mountains of Tennessee that probably has great scenery, if you had the opportunity to look at it. But...driving takes all your attention...it better. 

It's a challenge for motorcyclists and sports car owners...one that has resulted in far too many deaths over the years. I suppose the thrill is to see how fast you can complete the 11 miles, which implies how fast you can take the curves, because there are no straightaways. We didn't take the challenge. We did make the drive, but paid careful attention to the well placed signs indicating the direction of the constant sharp curves and "almost" never veered out of our lane. You have to drive it to understand. 

While driving the Dragon it occurred to me that there is a parallel to the experience. LIFE. Life is full of curves and dangers which take their toll on unsuspecting travelers. One might say that the difference is that on the road Dragon there are warnings and directions, while in the life Dragon you just cruise along and suddenly there's a curve. Well, of course we don't know what all life will bring, but we are warned about dangers that lurk along the way. 

Jesus said very plainly, "In the world you will have tribulation." (John 16:33) He wasn't specific, like "There are 318 curves in life," but the warning is clear. "Don't think this is going to be easy." The Bible has several warnings and, in fact, instructions about living. Like, "Flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:18) "Flee from idolatry." (1 Corinthians 10:14) "...the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils..." (1 Timothy 6:10)

Jesus told his disciples, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16) Did you get that? Be wise. Be innocent. (Aren't those mutually exclusive? Not at all.) One might also say, "Be prepared. Don't be shocked when the world isn't like you want it to be, thought it would be, like it should be."  That doesn't mean we have to be depressed and have a defeatist attitude because of the state of the world or because we have to go through hard times...either personally or as a people. 

Life happens. Illness, financial setbacks, disappointments, bad government. Where does that leave us? It leaves us to live. Don't panic. Christianity not only survived the first three centuries after the resurrection of the Christ, but prospered during a time of oppression and pagan government. Individuals suffered the same difficulties we see today...many times multiplied...and yet remained strong and faithful. 

Jesus also told his listeners, "But take heart. I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Thankfully, the joy, peace, and hope for a follower of the Christ isn't in who is president and no matter how many  letters are added to a sexual acronym, the truth doesn't change. 

That's good because with all the twists and turns of the life Dragon, it would be easy to get confused and get on the wrong path. So here's a good "road" sign. 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5-8)