A Streetcar Named Dalhousie

Stellar! Stellar! That’s my opinion of the outstanding way in which streetcars moved people.

Connected by a rod from its roof to an overhead power line, each streetcar whirred along city streets at a good pace and emitted zero pollution. Their high efficiency was marred only when the pole became disconnected. The streetcar came to a halt, and passengers waited for the conductor to prop the pole back into place.

My favorite streetcar was named “Dalhousie.” It traveled from downtown St. Catharines, Ontario, to Port Dalhousie, a Lake Ontario resort town about four miles north of St. Catharines. The ride cost only a nickel, but it journeyed past Martindale Ponds, my favorite fishing spot, and several productive fruit farms.

Back then, Ralph Bell, now retired from the Billy Graham team, was my riding companion. In the good old summertime, we headed for the beach and the midway rides Port Dalhousie offered. After a swim and a few rides on the Tilt-A-Whirl, Carousel, and Bumper Carts, we boarded the streetcar again and rode home. An occasional stall simply gave us additional time to talk about the day’s fun.

Of course, stalling was never the power line’s fault. The power was always available, but the streetcar had to stay connected. Similarly, the Christian must stay connected to God’s power in order to move forward. Progress stalls instantly if the Christian fails to stay in vital union with Christ.

By obeying the Scriptures, yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s control, and confessing our sins we experience God’s power to move forward toward the successful completion of His will. And all along our journey to heaven, we enjoy an unforgettable ride.

© Jim Dyet