Are We There Yet?
The best part of traveling to South Dakota in the summer is the weather. It is warm. We don’t have to worry about snow or ice. However, there is a downside.
Construction zones.
It seems those orange signs and construction cones were everywhere this time. At times it impeded our progress and delayed our arrival, but I tried to remind myself that it’s necessary.
I couldn’t help but think about some lessons we can learn from construction—some constructive lessons so to speak.
Sometimes you are forced to slow down long before the construction ever begins. They place the signs out, then eventually—much later—the cones. Finally you get to the little tiny, seemingly miniscule section of construction. Is all of this notification really necessary for such a little construction area?
Yes, it is.
If they waited until the last minute there would be a pile up. By warning early and often, they avoid accidents and more frustration. The same could be said of avoiding problems in life. Early warnings should be heeded. Listen to your conscience. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit. Don’t ignore people who give you a verbal warning! Don’t wait until you are right up against a problem or sin to do something about it. Take heed early and slow down. Then if there is a problem you have time to stop!
Secondly, when going through an area of construction—or in life, change—it is best to slow down, since often the lanes are narrow and the road is rough. There may be a sharp drop off on the edge of the road. If you go too fast, you might slip off and edge and be pulled into the ditch! If you are going slower you can avoid whacking your car with the cones, and you won’t end up in the ditch waiting for a tow truck.
Finally, don’t get impatient with the slowness of the drive. Use the time to look a little closer at the scenery. Maybe you will see something at 45 miles per hour that you would have missed at 70. In life, it can be like that too. It seems to me that the days are flying by faster and faster. Maybe some of the road construction warning signs in my life are meant to slow me down and get me to take in the view.
So, when you see a road construction warning sign don’t be irritated. Instead, consider it constructive construction and let it remind you to be vigilant in your personal life. Slow down—enjoy the scenery!
Double Cousins Mysteries 