Driving in Montezuma County lately has given us lots of moments to ponder how road construction hinders our lives. “Moments” might be too brief a descriptor: being stopped for one lane traffic for 15 or 20 minutes is more accurate.
We all want better road surfaces to drive on, but weeks and weeks of delays in our busy schedules gets very annoying after awhile.
Once I decided there was nothing I could do about the delays in my traveling to and from Cortez or Mancos from Dolores, where I live, I decided it would be best for my mental and spiritual health to just “go with the flow” (or lack thereof). As I would sit and wait, I made plans for the next day or watched the construction workers do their jobs (it is amazing how they work to “dig up” the old asphalt and then “lay down” the new asphalt surface. It’s so smooth, that once it’s completed, my tires hum.) I also decided it’s a good time to pray. So I started praying for the safety of the workers, whatever their task. And I started praying for the drivers of the cars coming toward me as I waited for them to pass. “Who are they? Where are they headed? May they find rest this day. Is there illness in their families? May the healing hand of God touch them. Are they looking for a job? May God open doors for them. Are there struggles in their lives that continually occupy their minds? May God’s Holy Spirit shower peace and joy into their lives.”
The reality is, I don’t know what’s happening in their lives as they drive by. But our Creator God in Heaven knows, and when we pray for others, God hears, lives are touched, and lives are changed. Praying for others is important, so why not pray for others whom we don’t even know?
The other thing that dawned on me whenever I travel (whether it’s between Dolores, Mancos, Cortez, Dove Creek or Colorado Springs) is that all the road signs are a metaphor for life. “Stop” “Slow” “Lane Shift” “Bump” “Narrow Bridge” and “Damaged Road” are signs in road construction areas and signs of everyday life as well. We can’t miss the road construction signs: How often do we miss the signs along our life’s path? “Stop” doing things that are harmful to your body or to your relationships. You’re working too hard: “slow down.” You’re on the pathway to personal destruction: “change your path.” Your illness is just a “bump” in life; with proper medical care you’ll be fine.”
Road construction can upset us in the moment. But when we think about it, it’s just a part of life. Slowing down to pray for others and to reflect on our own lives improves our lives and those of the people around us. Let’s follow the road signs of life and be blessed.
Rick Carpenter is the pastor of Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Dolores and First United Methodist Church of Dove Creek.