Potholes and Bumps

By: Cathy Irvin

Life has a lot of twists and turns — like a road that seems to wind on and on until you feel like you will never reach your destination. When we get caught up in wondering or worrying where we are going or how long it is taking, we don’t enjoy the ride.

We shouldn’t get upset when we miss turns in life. Certainly, we will hit a rough place or fall into a hole or two along the way. It has been said, “Life is what you make it.” So ask yourself: “Am I an optimist or am I a pessimist?”

The age-old test is, Do you see the glass as half full or half empty?

We are going to experience ups and downs, twists and turns, detours and trials along the way — like potholes and bumps in the road. However, we must manage to navigate them.

Jesus told us to not think it strange when you fall into diverse temptations (See 1 Peter:6). We will have trials and when they end we will move on to mountaintop experiences. Eventually, we will encounter valleys again.

We can stop along the way, breathe the fresh air, and take time to smell the roses. Or we can grit our teeth and see the problems rather than gaining a view from God’s perspective.

Blessings are like the train ride in the Christmas movie The Polar Express. The conductor had a destination and a schedule to keep, but occasionally there were detours and delays. Yet he constantly checked his watch and with great determination made it despite all the obstacles.

Can we enjoy our journey? We can if we remember to live one day at a time and trust the Lord to guide us. He wants us to enjoy our travels as we rest in Him; understanding that He is all about helping us reach the destination He has planned for us.

Keep a positive outlook and pray when trials come along. We can give our cares to the Lord and He will help us out of our troubles. We will hit those potholes and bumps, but the road eventually levels. Enjoy the ride and pull over from time to time to rest and enjoy God’s panoramic view. There are many blessings along the way and that final destination will be worth it all — when we see Jesus!

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 New King James Version)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6 New King James Version)

Copyright © 2007 Cathy Irvin. Used by permission.