Under Construction

What’s the first thing you thought of when you read the title? What did you picture in your mind? Any time I see a sign with these words on it when I’m riding I know I need to prepare myself for multiple possibilities. It may be a simple repair job going on, fresh pavement, maybe a road that’s all torn up and full of grooves, it may mean there’s gravel/rocks in the road or any other number of things. One thing is certain though, all of it requires me to be prepared, alert, and to approach with caution.

Roads are not the only things this can pertain to. Each and every one of us is also under construction in one way or another. I’ve thought about this quite a bit the past 3 days when I’ve been riding during this unusual February weather we’ve been experiencing. No matter what our age is or what stage of life we’re in, we are most likely dealing with something that’s changing in our lives. Having kids, grandchildren we want to spend time with, changing jobs or positions within our jobs, school, marriage, health issues of our own or a family member, a death, a friend who needs advice or a shoulder to lean on, and the list goes on. Nobody ever truly knows what goes on in another person’s mind or life on a daily basis. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a sign we could hang out on days when we feel that we are really undergoing significant construction to warn others to approach with care?🤔

There are days when I feel like my road is smooth and blemish free and it’s clear sailing. There are other days when I feel like the surface has been torn up, put through a grinder and crushed into a million pieces. It’s on those days when those around me would benefit from an “approach with caution” sign. Growth and changes can be demanding and overwhelming but sometimes they can also be exciting and renewing. Every situation and our approach to it is as different as we all are. Many of us don’t like change at all, while others seek it.

Some of us are content with old windy single lane roads with twists and curves and hills and valleys that meander through the country side. Others prefer the hustle and bustle of cities and 4 lane highways with bridges and intersections and traffic lights. No matter which it is we prefer, there will inevitably come a time when will probably have to deal with the least favored choice. It is at those moments when we may be being molded (constructed) into something new or better. We need to be sure we have the proper “equipment” to handle the job. For me that equipment is God’s word and trying to find what it is He is trying to tell me through it all. It’s often not a comfortable feeling at the time, but hopefully once it’s completed, we can see the difference and realize that maybe it was for the better. Hopefully we can see that through these experiences, we grew in some way or helped someone else to grow.

Life is full of detours and road bumps and we just have to hold on, take each of them one by one and do the best we can at the time. It may be that our repair job isn’t done correctly the first time and we may have to redo it again later. Sometimes it seems the road has more bumps than level ground, but if we stop in the middle of the road, there will be consequences. Sooner or later we will find that smooth section if we just keep moving and trying.

Here’s to level ground and no “construction ahead” signs, at least for a little while.

Isaiah 41:13

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

John 13:7
Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.”

Proverbs 3:5-6