Traveling Tips from John Wesley

I'm reading through The Journal of John Wesley, and of all the things that arrest my attention, I find his experiences on the road most fascinating. It is well documented that he spent a heinous amount of time traveling on horseback to go preach and see about different Methodist societies. As expected, one who travels often will experience a lot of traveling hazards. Wesley did, but with no AAA to rescue him. Here are two excerpts from his journal. 

I preached once more at Plaistow and took my leave of the people of that place. In my return, a person galloping swiftly rode full against me and overthrew both man and horse, but without any hurt to either. Glory be to Him who saves both man and beast! 

Before we looked out, we heard the roaring of the wind and the beating of the rain. We took horse at five. It rained incessantly all the way we rode. And when we came on the great mountain, four miles from the town (by which time I was wet from my neck to my waist), it was with great difficulty I could avoid being borne over my mare's head, the wind being ready to carry us all away: nevertheless, about ten we came safe to Dannabull, praising Him who saves both man and beast.

His responses to the troubles he faced are, for me, one of the most solid proofs of his Christlike spirit. Yes, even more than his sermons and other deeds of power. Because what a person does as a reaction truly reveals what type of spirit the person has. I'm reminded of Wesley's reaction as my family heads back home from our annual vacation. For the second year in a row our van has experienced road troubles of its own. Last year a blown tire, this year a bad water pump. Road troubles suck, but they are only troubles. Indeed, they are only minor setbacks. Wesley's example has helped me be thankful in the midst of these setbacks. And while being thankful, we have been able to witness the sufficiency of God's grace. No less than 7 countrified southerners have asked if they can do anything to help. Indeed, it was an angelic Marlboro man who helped me locate the problem. I was busy trying to exegete it, and he wandered up and just happened to have the knowledge and tools needed to make the discovery. Glory be to him who saves both people and minivans!