Road Work Ahead...

The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6

The title is catchy...the sign just before tells me to slow down-
Although the story itself doesn't explain my situation, the title and scripture do.
I have been packaging and mailing my sampler patterns for several days now. I was in a hurry...not realizing that I had left out an important piece of information. Possibly the most important piece - The instructions. Excited, wanting to get them mailed off quickly, I failed to check my work. I let them down.
I am reminded that I, too, must follow instructions, listen to God speaking, so that I won't make a mistake. If I rush through life too quickly, I may miss an important piece of information.

(Author not noted)
As I drove toward El Paso, I fumed over the argument I'd had with my husband the night before. I was sure I was right, but he would never admit it. My frustration increased when I passed an orange caution sign that read: "Road Work Ahead." I was late, in a hurry, and irritated by the delay of having to drive slowly. As I moved at a snail's pace through the desert, I told God how angry I was about the night before. After a while, God gently whispered to me that like the road I was traveling on, my husband is "under construction" and that I need to be patient with him.

I thought again about the argument, but this time I saw it from my husband's perspective. I was horrified by the lack of love I saw in my own behavior. I was ashamed even to ask for forgiveness, but then I saw how patient and gentle God had been with me. I realized that I am also under construction, and I received God's forgiveness gratefully. Forgiving my husband was easier when I realized how much God has forgiven me.

God, open my eyes to see clearly your patience and forgiveness so that I can offer the same to others. Amen.