Under Construction

“Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:15-16 NLT

“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” Akshay Dubey

Road construction! It’s everywhere this time of year because I live in a cold climate and winter is brutal on the highways and roads. And so annoying! Detours, potholes, lines of vehicles for miles, dusty, dirty, smelly asphalt with hot and grumpy road crew pointing where to drive next. And the child in the back seat is grumpy, thirsty and needs to go “potty.” Sigh…

We’re under construction too. Hopefully, not dusty, dirty or grumpy. There are no days off for us in the Kingdom. Even when resting we are to keep our minds on what’s above. Our Journey has lots of detours, pitfalls and potholes, delays and discouragements. This is what it takes to become more like the Son. Others are under construction too. We’re told in James that if we can control our tongue we are a “Perfect Person.” They’re as rare as unicorns, fairies or a tax refund! Or, a summer day without road construction.

That’s why we have each other. Sometimes we limp together, sometimes we cheer each other on, sometimes we pray together and sometimes we grieve together. We learn to love each other as the other needs. We learn perseverance. We learn endurance. We learn (here’s my all-time favorite) patience. We learn acceptance. We learn to depend on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

With Grace. Lots of it. The Bible reminds us that “He richly pours his grace on us.” And we need it!  Let’s remember when things get tough, we’re all Under Construction.

Musings

We need a sense of humor, along with grace when dealing with our potholes and detours. May we not take such aggravations and setbacks so seriously. Maybe, just maybe, they’re opportunities to reach our potential with kindness.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We pray for grace and patience but avoid situations that provide these. Thank you for giving us what we need and not necessarily what we want. We may not feel that way today but we have learned from You, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to “Enter by the Narrow Gate.”

Amen.