Today, we leave Lassen Volcano and travel to Redwoods National and State Parks. Before arriving in California, this was one of the parks I was most excited to see, a forest of 350 feet trees. In Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, Endor’s forest moon (with the Ewoks) was filmed in this area. As we drive to Redwoods, for whatever reason, I begin to think about following Christ. I would follow Christ even if heaven was not waiting for those of faith. I am thankful that heaven is real. The gift of eternity with God and those that have gone before is the fantastic gift of Jesus conquering death. But I would follow God even without it. To go even farther, I would follow Christ even if there was no God. Again, I believe in the God revealed in Christ with all of my being. There is no doubt in me about God’s goodness and existence. However, I would follow Jesus no matter. Jesus’ teachings and way in this world is how you truly love in this world. Learning to follow Jesus is learning to rightly love others and the world. Following Jesus is how we begin to live right, good, and just in the world. Following Jesus is righteousness as it sets your life rightly with all other things.
After saying this, I am not very good at following Jesus. I have a lot of growth needed. I love things too much, my opinion too much, life for me too much. I am not humble enough, patient enough, wise enough, or compassionate enough towards others. Thankfully following Jesus is a journey. Yes, I know for sure that I am on this journey of growth. I just still have a long way to go. But when I look at Jesus’ life, I see the true way of love in and through this world.