Bump In The Road

Do you ever feel like you are racing through life? Or maybe you have been feeling there is an obstacle around every corner?  A stopping point perhaps?  Or even a hiccup in your family life?  A bump in the road can occur and most likely will occur in everyone’s lives, but it’s how you handle it that will save you.

Don’t let a small bump in the road end your journey…. Anonymous

I think it would be safe to say that each of you – including myself – have had a bump in the road at some point in their lives.  You may even have a continual bump or bumps in the road. Some examples of what I mean are:

• Been let go from your job
• One of your children has gotten into trouble
• Marriage difficulties
• You and your best friend have been disagreeing a lot
• You’ve had health issues
• You’re struggling to pay rent or buy food

Those are just a few examples, but they are some pretty heavy and relevant bumps.   Recently, I have watched some friends go through some of their own bumps.  Their children are growing – not so dependent anymore, covid caused everyone to be under one roof for an extended time period, and an unknown possible health issue with their extended family has begun.  At quick glances, you would think everything is a-o-k, but in reality, they have hit a bump.  

I can safely say that knowing my friends and the bump they have hit that they can and will see the big picture – the eternal map which lies ahead.  They also know that all of the bumps, caution signs, precautionary cones or detours that have been placed along their path are all just guiding them back to their smooth sailing journey.  One may take you over to the left, but another will guide you back to the right.  A big bump may be felt that will shake you up a bit and possibly even question if the current path is even safe.  But rest assured,  it is completely safe and peaceful.  

Have you ever taken a wrong road?  For example: you are driving and come upon a road block, construction, a bump etc. and you decide that you know better than your GPS so you drive a completely different direction – not the one that was laid out?  How did it turn out?  Sometimes, it may be fine.  A bit smoother, less busy. But!  Most times, I bet you’ve run into traffic, a bad area, stop lights, adding much time to your day.  How did you feel when this happened? Were you happy? Or were you bitter for taking matters into your own hands? 

Sidenote:  One wrong choice can lead you down a road of bitterness. You’ll be tempted be angry at the world, lash out at friends and/or loved ones and maybe even try to push God away.  This road at first may feel liberating because YOU chose it, but it will prove to be a trap in the end – [paraphrased from authors/speakers Dave and Ashley Willis]

So, as you go about your bumpy road – regardless of what the bumps are in your life – remember that with each bump you gain strength.  With each bump God fills your heart with love and patience.  With each bump you just may learn something about yourself (self-improvement is always a key factor in healing) and/or your loved one, your boss, your friend or your kids.  The current road you are taking right now will become smooth again – I promise you.  Just follow your GPS (God’s Positioning System) and not your own MAP (My Action Plan) and those bumps you may be encountering will become a smooth stretch in no time.

Do you need encouragement or simply an ear to listen?  If so, click the button below – I’ll be that friend you need.