Road Work Ahead

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.
-Philippians 1:6 (NRSV)

AS I drove toward El Paso, I fumed over the argument I'd had with my husband the night before. I was sure I was right, but he would never admit it. My frustration increased when I passed an orange caution sign that read: "Road Work Ahead." I was late, in a hurry, and irritated by the delay of having to drive slowly. As I moved at a snail's pace through the desert, I told God how angry I was about the night before. After a while, God gently whispered to me that like the road I was traveling on, my husband is "under construction" and that I need to be patient with him.

I thought again about the argument, but this time I saw it from my husband's perspective. I was horrified by the lack of love I saw in my own behavior. I was ashamed even to ask for forgiveness, but then I saw how patient and gentle God had been with me. I realized that I am also under construction, and I received God's forgiveness gratefully. Forgiving my husband was easier when I realized how much God has forgiven me.

Prayer
God, open my eyes to see clearly your patience and forgiveness so that I can offer the same to others. Amen.

Posted by The Upper Room, A Mininistry of GBOD, Nashville, TN.