The Ottawa people (Odawa), the name meaning, “to trade,” are a First Nations people. The name Trader was extended to the Ottawa because they were known as intertribal traders and barterers. This office continued as Europeans and others arrived exploring the land. The Ottawa were mediators, easily moving among and between tribes—and, then, the European settlers that eventually (inevitably?) came through.

     We live on Ottawa Ave., a short block, the only one in our city so named. It is curved, the outlet to the north tagged by another name. Our house is nestled in the crook of the curve where Ottawa ends and the next street begins. Even many of those who have grown up in our city do not know where our street is. But, if you live in our neighborhood, you know that it bypasses an often-congested four-way stop for access to the junior high directly behind us, and the high school just beyond it.

     Moses, too, was placed in the crook of situation, a bypass between the Israelite people and the ruler of Egypt. He acted as mediator and translator for God to the Israelites as to Pharaoh. One such message given through Moses was God’s intent that Israel be aKingdom of priests representing God’s glory to all the other nations. But, Moses’ glory faded, the law—the letter of the law—only killing. But, the very Spirit of God, by the love and sacrifice of Jesus, is now given to us, powerful. If there was glory—evidence of God’s presence—in Moses’ ministry of the first covenant, immeasurable is the glorious ministry of justification. (2 Cor 3:9). We are justified and just to be present—glorified, evidence of God’s presence—right where we are, in the crook on Ottawa Ave.

     Holy God, we live and dwell on this bypass, priests among the nations. I pray you give our family a new sense of the Spirit’s power, your glory evidenced in our home, in our neighborhood, our town and among the nations. Amen, y, Amen.

     Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. The native Ottawa people used the “Great River” (now known as the Ottawa River) for centuries as a trade route. When settlers arrived, a canal was constructed as a bypass for safe passage between settled groups. Colonel John By directed the work, prompting the growing settlement to name it Bytown. Over thirty years later, Queen Victoria designated the city as capital of Canada and named it Ottawa. She chose this place because it was located in the backcountry, more easily defensible, located in a strategic spot between other major cities while allowing access to transport over the river.

     Much like the city of Ottawa, our house is located just off the main street on a byway, a bypass of busy roads, a shorter way between the schools and homes. We love the Nat King Cole song, Route 66, and, often sing it when we take off on a road trip—usually west. But, we would now sing it, “If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way, take the byway, that’s the best!” There are so many aspects of a byway that we appreciate, and the emotional and spiritual implications that accompany taking that route.

     When one takes a secondary, less traveled road, it is usually less direct with a greater likelihood of encountering something unexpected. So, there is a sense of adventure, of anticipating that there will be something beautiful and interesting along the way. Traveling such a road also necessitates a slower pace—unhurried, that one be present, alert to what lay ahead and around the bend. Indeed, it is a spiritual practice that is not just personal—it is participating in the beauty of the land (versus, the incessant cement of the highway). Third, the choice to take the road less traveled by, the winding curves and hills that often make up the way, insists on a certain measure of faith. It is unclear what might lie ahead over that hill, but we keep going. For, if I stop because I cannot see over that hill, I might avert some terrible danger just beyond, but it is more likely that I will never experience the possibilities—a breathtaking view, a lovely café, meeting new people whom I cannot live without.

     So, here we are, on Ottawa Ave., a byway, a place that stands between, yet just off the major thoroughfare. And, we cannot see around the bend and over the hill. But, we will risk the possibility for some bad weather or a flat tire so that we might be a part of a beautiful adventure. One that will certainly bring new friendships that we cannot live without. It will also be evidence that we truly live, because, to not continue walking and moving ahead is entropy. Spirit of God, hold us together as we walk ahead!