Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Maintaining Momentum

by Pastor William Jenkins

March 3, 2006

A man lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs. He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio. He had trouble with his eyes, so he did not read the newspaper. But how he could sell hot dogs!

He put up a sign on the highway telling how good they were. He stood by the side of the road and cried, “Get Your Delicious Hot Dog Here!” Sales increased, so he increased his meat and bun order. He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade. Business was really good!

His son came home from college to help him…and then it happened. His son said, “Dad, haven’t you been listening to the radio or reading the newspaper? There is a recession on, the international situation is in terrible shape, and the financial picture is even worse.” The father thought: “My son has been away to college. He listens to the radio and reads the newspapers, so he ought to know better than me.”

The father took down his sign, cut back on his next order of meat and buns, and no longer bothered to stand by the side of the road to sell his delicious hot dogs. Nearly overnight his sells fell off and business was bad. “You were right my son,” said the dad, “Things are tough all over.”

How easily we allow the nay-sayers to take the wind out of our sails and the fire out of our passion. We react to rumors, gossip or something we read or saw as if it were truth. More people are hindered by skepticism that by the facts.

Do not allow yourself to be side-tracked by nay-sayers, skeptics, or some temporary condition that is unpleasant. Always keep the momentum going. Proverbs 12:27 reminds us, “Diligence is a prized possession.”

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org