Life is like a mountain railway,
With an engineer that’s brave;
We must make the run successful
From the cradle to the grave;
Watch the curves, the hills, the tunnels;
Never falter, never fail:
Keep your hand upon the throttle,
And your eye upon the rail.
Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us.
Till we reach that blissful shore,
Where the angels wait to join us,
In God’s praise forevermore. (Note 1)

The mountain railway is a wonderful metaphor for how we are to live as Christians. We are called to be watchful from cradle to grave, without faltering. And be guided by Jesus. Even so, we are to keep our hand upon the throttle to keep moving forward. Dare we say at full throttle?

Note 1: Life’s Railway to Heaven, 1891 Hymn by M. E. Abbey