“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it…” – Jeremiah 6:13
Why walk the old paths? I recently made a visit to my hometown in Kansas for the memorial service of the spouse of a high school classmate. It was to be a celebration of a life well lived, and I wanted to add what support I could. I no longer have living family there, so I don’t visit often.
It is about a three-hour drive. I considered flying, but I did not have time to do the necessary flight planning, so I chose a road trip. To walk the old paths implies some contact with the ground anyway! It was a beautiful day. As I turned north off I-70 onto Highway 183 at the Hays exit 45, the first 18 years of my life came rushing back to me.
I was actually born in Hays, Kansas, Ellis County, one county south of my home, Rooks County. There were no hospitals in all of Rooks County at the time. A fate many rural counties still face today. Fortunately, by the time my sisters came along, a nice hospital was in operation.
Walk The Old Paths Of Limestone Hills
As I drove north through the limestone hills of the Saline River Valley, I saw oil pumps working again. That is always a good sign, and the familiar “pump-pump-pump” was soothing. These are many of the same wells my grandfather Hancock worked on as a pumper. I remember Daddy talking about making the rounds with his dad as a boy.
I never met my paternal grandfather, as he died when my father was 16. As I came into town, I turned 
toward the cemetery. There, I visited the gravesites of my grandparents: Esther Lea Wilburn Hancock and Jesse Lee Hancock, my only remaining family connection to Rooks County. I passed by my childhood home, where I spent most of my first 18 years. I was glad to see it in such great condition. The new owners have done a great job keeping it pretty.
At the VFW Hall, where the celebration of life was being held, I met classmates, friends, and neighbors from my youth. I have been back for most of my class reunions and stay in touch with many via social media, but it was good to see so many in person. The gathering was just as it should be, a tribute to a life well lived, with great home-cooked food and fellowship.
Walk The Old Paths, The Return Trip
On my return trip, I took a different route, passing through Paradise, then stopping in Waldo, KS. If you ever wonder where Waldo is, you can find it along Highway 15 in Kansas. My reason for stopping here was to visit the location of the train station where my Uncle Charles was the station manager in the early 60s. The only thing left are the grain bins where the tracks used to run.
My next stop was Wilson Lake. This reservoir was completed in 1964, and I remember visiting the site while it was under construction. It became one of the several lakes we spent time at during my high school years.
Why Walk The Old Paths?
Why take a day to walk the old paths? Scripture says it’s the good way. So what makes it good? Here are a few thoughts from this day:
First, giving honor to those who have passed on is good. Both by gathering and sharing, and also by visiting the final resting place of our ancestors
Second, visiting locations where my life was influenced, formed, and informed is good. I find great comfort in the familiar landscapes and buildings. Though things evolve, it is good to walk the old paths.
Third, reconnecting with people who have walked the old paths with you. This was not a visit to a museum but to a living community of people who mean a lot to my family and me. Even though I moved away, the time we shared is still with me.
Do you agree with the old paths as good? Why or why not?