Platforms

The night before the church beach trip, my son and I were filled with anticipation and excitement. My four-year-old son loved the beach, and I knew he would have a wonderful day. I had prepared everything beforehand, so when we woke up on Sunday morning, all we had to do was go to the train station. I made sure we got there early.

Upon arrival at the station, I checked the departure board to see when our train would arrive. It always departed from platform one, so I went there and waited peacefully because I knew we had plenty of time. Fifteen minutes later I saw a train arrive on platform three. A man began to run from platform one to platform three, but I did not think anything of it. I continued to wait calmly as I watched him run, still confident it was not our train.

A moment later I heard a woman frantically inquire of the conductor if it was the train to Bedford that had arrived. I tried to tell her not to worry, as the train to Bedford always departed from platform one. Then she turned to me and exclaimed, “That’s the train to Bedford!” In disbelief I ran to the departure board and realized she was right.

I hurried back to my son, grabbed our bags, and told him to run up the stairs. I charged ahead of him to the top of the stairs, and he ran as fast as his little legs could go, screaming for me to wait. We caught up to each other, locked hands, scrambled, and screamed our way to the final flight of stairs to platform three. I saw the conductor and called for him to hold the train. He smiled and motioned us to get on board.

We flew down the stairs and burst onto the train with racing hearts. The doors shut behind us. As I sat on the train hugging my son for his bravery, I reflected on what had just happened. Though I was certain we were on the right platform, I discovered at the last minute we were not. On our spiritual journey we know we need to be ready for Jesus’ return, yet how many of us are peacefully waiting on the wrong platform? The conductor kindly held the train for us, but when Jesus returns, it will be too late to change platforms. Let us draw close to our Savior today and every day. He will safely lead us home.

Shantel Stephens