Old Markers

National Road Marker

While returning from a trip a few weeks ago I took old Route 40, which runs parallel to Interstate 70 between Columbus and Zanesville, Ohio. Route 40 was an east-west road known as the National Road, crossing a total of 12 states. In Ohio this road stretched from Wheeling, West Virginia, to Maysville, Ohio. Some of the old mile markers can still be seen along the sides of the road there. I grew up seeing these markers along the National Road. 

This old sign brought back many memories of travel on Route 40 as well as the cars my parents traveled in. Travel was slower, mostly single lanes and often bumpy. There was no cruise control, no air conditioning and no frequent waysides along the way.  We didn't know any better. We had heard of horse and buggy travel so this was great...then. 

The old road has been replaced by faster, wider and easier roads to drive.  The signage is much different, easier to read and often with electronic capability to alert drivers for increased safety. I would much rather travel on this kind of highway. 

How often do we compare our behaviors and situations with then and now, often judging ourselves from today's perspectives? Do we beat ourselves up, saying we "should have" done something differently or do we embrace the past and know how it has helped shape the present? Often we can help reshape the present in very wonderful, positive ways. On a personal level, ways and events of the past can influence us in the  present in order to live life differently, more lovingly and compassionately than our past might have been. 

Choices to upgrade the National Road making travel much easier and comfortable were not without resistances,  challenges and frustrations. However, on a personal level, there are times when we would like to hang on to behaviors of the past. What kind of a person do we want to be and what must be done to become that person?  What "markers" are we following now compared to yesterday. There is no need to regret the past nor shut the door on it but each day is a new day for spiritual progress for each of us!


Molly LaFond is a spiritual director and is now taking new clients. She is able to offer appointments in either location of Two Rivers or Crivitz, WI. She can be reached at 920 793-3530. For more information also see:mollylafond.com