Pioneers – July 21, 2002
When we hear the word pioneer, we tend to think of women wearing long skirts and bonnets accompanied by bearded men in wide-brimmed hats and suspenders. We think of covered wagons pulled by thirsty oxen and handcarts pulled by weary travelers. But that is a relatively modern association for the word pioneer. Originally, a pioneer was someone who marched in advance of an army or regiment to clear and prepare the way for the main body.
In other words, the term pioneer is not time- or culture-bound. Anyone who is preparing the way for others is a pioneer. Therefore, you and I at times are pioneers. Even though the “frontiers” we are exploring are not usually geographical, they’re just as real and can be as purposeful and important.
At the wedding of his oldest daughter, one man reflected on his own pioneering experience. As a young man, he’d been badly abused by his father, and he promised himself that he would never do such things to his own children. Through great effort, the tendencies and pattern implanted in him during his youth were overcome. As this man beheld his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, her eyes glistening with hope and love, he was flooded with joy at knowing that he had kept his promise. This beautiful young woman wouldn’t be taking horrible memories into her new family. More important, she wouldn’t be struggling against awful patterns of abuse. He had pioneered new family patterns of love and care.
The men and women driving ox teams across prairies left us a wonderful heritage. They were noble pioneers. However, we shouldn’t think the days of pioneering are over. As we discover new perspectives, overcome bad habits, and expand our talents, we not only enrich our lives; we also prepare a better way for those who will come after us. We prepare for a better future like those valiant pioneers who made their way across mountain, desert, and sea to reach their new home with “Faith in Every Footstep.”
Program #3805