I don't know about you, but some days on my commute to work, I don't expect God to speak. Unless it's because I need to be kinder (in my mind) to my fellow travelers. However, recently, I did hear His still small voice revealing to me a truth that was manifest in a road closure and fixing of potholes. 

For 3 weekends recently, a small portion of a major interstate through Nashville was closed. As I was looking on the map, graciously provided by tv news channels and the local paper, I determined that TDOT was going to fix a bad stretch of road that I use pretty much daily. I was happy that it was going to occur Friday evening - Monday early morning and not bother the rush-hour traffic! 

So, after the 1st weekend, I got up on Monday morning, anticipating that it would be fixed and...nothing. Well, to me it looked like nothing, maybe the street sweeper had been through, but there were still the potholes and the roughness of the pavement underneath my tires, forcing me to slow down so I didn't pop one of them. 

That's when I heard His quiet voice speaking to me. Maybe it's because they were working underneath the foundation of the bridge to shore it up (to give support). Maybe they were working all weekend and you just can't see it yet! 

Wow...I believe this is so true of us as well. Maybe God really is working in that other person and I just can't see the fruit of His labors quite yet. Maybe, just maybe, I need to give more grace to others, because He is working on the inside to bring forth something brand new and sustainable. Maybe He is doing that in me as well. 

So, fast forward to Monday after weekend #2. I wasn't as hopeful, because I didn't want to be disappointed. Again, not much had happened; no final asphalt, but I think some of the "holes" were patched! 

Now, on to the Monday morning after weekend #3. Ahhh success...pretty new black asphalt AND new white and yellow lines! Smooth as....I was going to say silk until I hit the first "seam" and it went "bump". Again, nice and smooth then another "bump" at the next seam. Frankly it was irritating. Why can't it be totally fixed, so I (and the others I travel with daily) don't have to slow down to save my (our tires.)

Again, the Lord spoke. this road was a symbol to me for life with others. We are all on the journey of life. It takes times and patience to allow God to work out the bumps in one's life. It's all in God's timing, not my own. I need to be more gracious with others. At times, I need to slow down and pay more attention to what God is showing me and how I can help others. God has ALL things under control and I can't wait to see what He has in store next to make me (and all of us) more like Him!

He is making us new and will bring EVERYTHING to completion. What hope that gives me; even if I may not see it on this side of heaven.  

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears." (Philippians 1:6 The Message)

Be blessed today as God continues to work in your life and uses you to bless others!