Watch Out for the Bumps!
Only recently did I consider the phrase, “bumps in the road,” to have more meaning than the obvious. There is so much more that can be said if we think about our life’s journey as a “road.” (If you hadn’t noticed, I love analogies!)
While driving to and from Eureka this winter for a quick visit with my mother-in-law, I tried to observe the kinds of bumps a driver encounters in a typical day. Because of the recent heavy rains, Highway 101, a well-used, north-south passage, has an abundance of potholes and detours onto rough roads. We sped over uneven spots in the surface due to ongoing construction. Gary had to keep alert and it was still a crazy ride. I realized that most of the problem areas are temporary until they get repaired, and I recognized they were not put there on purpose. They exist because of storm damage, and in time will be made right again.
This life is full of bumps:
–illnesses, loss of loved ones, unrealized dreams, disappointments by others, and stresses of various types. Sometimes they are the consequences of our mistakes/sin, or the results of someone else’s bad choices. They slow down our “forward motion” even when we see them up ahead. They sometimes catch us off guard, but they don’t have to keep us from continuing on to our destination.
Gary did slow down to be more cautious, but those minor detours didn’t stop us; they were simply inconveniences. But, not all are temporary. On many highways, road crews purposefully install speed bumps and rumble strips for our protection.
Speed Bumps and Rumble Strips
Speed bumps force us to slow down. Rumble strips are there to remind us where the edge of the pavement is, so we don’t swerve into danger.
God places speed bumps and rumble strips in our lives. They remind us to stay alert and to keep to the path He has prepared for us. We take risks if we travel at our own pace, or venture off into possible danger. Just like learning to follow safe driving practices, we need to learn God’s ways for our lives.
Life’s bumps are there for our ultimate good.
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.’”– Jeremiah 6:16 (NLT)
“Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.” – Psalm 25:4 (NLT)
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!