Musta Been the Doo Wop

Cindy and I left yesterday for Parent's Weekend at the University of Kentucky. Not sure how far we would drive, we decided to not make motel reservations, believing that the open road would welcome us and motel space would be plentiful. The drive was actually quite enjoyable with light traffic and subtle changes in color through the mountains of West Virginia. We made it to Beckley, West Virginia and decided to stop for dinner. After dinner we drove down the street to a motel chain where we usually stay, only to find them "full for the night." We tried several other places at that exit, all with the same story. It was early enough in the evening that we confidently decided to drive on and find another place down the road. The story was the same as we called or stopped at more than a dozen places. Finally, on the other side of Charleston, WV, we found a place. As we were registering, Cindy mentioned to the clerk that we had difficulty finding a place. With dead pan expression and a wonderful West Virginia flavor in her voice, the clerk said, "Musta been the Doo Wop. Motels are sold out everywhere." My mind raced to a number of possibilities. We later found out that the "Doo Wop" was a classic car and fifties music show in Charleston where thousands of people from all across the region gather.

We settled in for the night and are now on our way again, but I must admit, I'm a bit intrigued by the possibility of a Doo Wop weekend in Charleston, WV. I'll have to put this on my calendar for next year, and certainly, make my reservations early.

"Musta been the Doo Wop". The clerk knew what she was talking about, but of course, we did not. I got to thinking about the things we take for granted that others know, but really don't. Most importantly among these is the faith in Jesus Christ we hold dear. We assume the world around us knows Jesus, or at least something about him. We assume too much. You and I may be, though flawed, the best opportunity those around us have to see Jesus. In his final words with his disciples in Acts 1, Jesus said, "You shall be my witnesses." That is an assignment still given and still needed today. Let us not assume that other's know Jesus; let us live in such a way that they see Jesus in us.

Farewell from the road and remember, when things aren't working out as you think they should, there's always an explanation..."musta been the Doo Wop:"

Jim Abernathy