The old and the new…
It’s such a blessing to live in a beautiful part of the planet. Magnificent waterways. The spectacular Pacific Ocean. National Parks with amazing arrays of wildlife and astounding forests and waterfalls. If we’re thinking world views, this one is possibly unbeatable!
Winding through the midst of this is a railway. A railway with more than initially meets the eye. Curving its way out of the suburbs it skirts the beautiful Brisbane Waters, the traditional lands of the Darkinjung and Kuringgai aboriginal peoples, named in 1825 in honour of Sir Thomas Brisbane, a Governor of New South Wales. The train then disappears into the One Mile Tunnel, which opened in 1888. Bursting into sunshine again it follows perilously close to the shores of translucent blue waterways until it crosses the broad waters of the Hawkesbury River. Sit on the correct side of the train and you’ll see the piers of the original bridge constructed in 1889.
But the train! I rode the train just the other day. The epitome of modern rail transport. So comfortable. A quiet and smooth ride delightfully air conditioned. Power points for your computer or to charge your phone. Even USB connections! Such a contrast to the environment. The old and the new.
Yet, sadly the seats aren’t reversable. I needed to sit on a seat not facing the direction of travel. Why was I uncomfortable? Is it just me? Or do others feel weird looking the wrong direction? Admittedly, I enjoyed the realisation that I was watching the past. My view showed me where we had previously been. The old and the new.
I guess it can be wise to take opportunities to consider our past. We learn so much from those places. But again, is it just me? Or do others also love looking excitedly into what’s in the future? What might God say? “I alone know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you.” “Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us.” “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Let’s enjoy our journey. The old and the new. Glancing backward, yet excitedly chasing after Jesus.