Hi, all. 

Just a thought to help start your weekend.

Our road trip last summer included an overnight stay on Hershey Avenue in, you guessed it, the chocolate-themed town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. We visited the Hershey Story museum downtown, saw the many Hershey’s Kiss-shaped street lamps, and took a tour of the Hershey factory and grounds. And, of course, we left there loaded down with various kinds of chocolate candy. Hershey is definitely a tourist-based town.

My family and I have visited several such places over the years. If it wasn’t for the tourists roaming the streets or riding around on a tour bus or trolley such as this one, there wouldn’t be much activity going on. They cater to the tourists.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The town makes its money from the tourists who keep visiting. The town thrives because of the visitors, and the visitors feel special because of the town. It becomes a win-win situation for all involved.

We were created by a loving God who wants to see us happy. He wants to meet our needs. He loves to hear us call upon His name. And yet, one of the most wonderful things about the Lord is that He never forces us to come to Him for any reason. He leaves that decision up to us.

No one forced us to go to Hershey. As a matter of fact, we traveled several miles off of our planned route in order to make that visit. We did it on purpose.

It does take an effort to go to the Lord — to do it on purpose. But, I promise you that it’s all worth it. The presence of the Lord is definitely a place you want to be. He is pleased when we are there. We are blessed when we are there. It’s a win-win. Now, it certainly is not my purpose to compare the presence of God to something as trivial as chocolate. But, hey, they’re both sweet in their own way!

’Til later.

 

Rev. Brad Campbell can reached at mastah.pastah@yahoo.com.