Way Markers

My Pops had a habit of taking a road or hiking trail just "to see where it goes." He was never too worried about whether or not there were signs, maps, trail markers or directionals. He was gifted with a sense of direction that almost always got us to where we needed to go, albeit there were some interesting turns and twists along the way! There are quite a number of family stories that can be told as a result of these little jaunts and adventures and my brothers and I often laugh with remembering! His spirit of adventure and need to explore is a gift that he handed down to each of us.

Our lives are filled with way markers put into place by the different things we experience, people we encounter, family, mentors and friends. Our enemies, too, can put a way marker in front of us. It is how we choose to read these signs, and learn from them, that determines the directions our lives will take. We may choose a detour that helps us to learn a valuable or important lesson, or, we may choose to take a scenic route that takes us a bit longer to get to our destination, but restores our soul or enriches our lives with beauty.

If we choose to let God lead in our lives we will be able to navigate around and through all that comes before us. John 14:6 tell us, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life.." Invite God into your life each day. Study His Word and ask for His help to read the way markers. He will guide you on a journey "of a lifetime" that is guaranteed to be one of the most exciting road trips you will ever experience!

Just as my father's meandering about the countryside enabled us to learn and experience new sights, so will God's word be your map and travel guide. Be an adventurer, be willing to "see where it goes" with Him leading the way!

Source: http://MAWebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.

Patience is a Virtue

Last week I travelled to the West Coast for my nephew's high school graduation. The weekend was wonderful, Kevin graduated with honors and our family had opportunity to spend some time together. On the return trip home, even though I enjoyed my time away, I discovered that like most of my fellow travellers, I was eager to get to my destination and home.

The first leg of the journey went very well. The airline left on time and we arrived in Chicago early. Wow! I was feeling pretty good and had a nice break on the ground before boarding the plane for the last leg of the journey into the Cincinnati International Airport. Not too long after the plane was fully loaded, the captain came onto the loudspeaker. Immediately we all knew that something wasn't quite right and that we probably were not going to like his message. Sure enough, he explained that the front tires of the airplane were worn and that we would have to wait to have them changed. And, unfortunately, the "NASCAR pit crew was not available..." so it was expected to take them 45-60 minutes from that moment to get the job done.

Well, not wanting to take off with bald tires on the front of the aircraft was understandable. Understanding why it would take so long is not so easy to comprehend, but we all settled in for a long wait.

Then, after a full hour had passed the captain comes back on the loudspeaker. Well, it was going to take us at least another 15-20 minutes to get the job done and then we could taxi out for take-off. Finally, we taxi out and then, we wait another 15-20 minutes. Our 1 hour layover ended up being about 3 hours in length and by the time we took off it was after 11:30 pm EST. We were all exhausted and cranky and the children on board were beginning to display behaviors more akin to little devils!

As I was sitting in my seat feeling sorry for myself, getting anxious and moving about restlessly my seat mate turned to me and asked if I lived in the Cincinnati area and proceeded to ask directions to one of the local hospitals. She went on to explain that she had been travelling since about 6:30 am that morning to be with her parents. Her father had suffered a major stroke earlier that morning and was not expected to live. In fact, they were not sure he would live long enough for her to see him alive again. Clearly the delay had been incredibly stressful for her and her husband!

It was at this point in time that I realized that patience really is a virtue, and something that I am not blessed with! I felt incredibly sorry for, and could empathize with this woman and her family. And, finally, after our arrival and during the journey home I was able to thank God for having blessed me for this seat mate. You see, I need to develop more patience and I had lost sight of what that meant, until that night. I was a bit embarrassed that I had been impatient, frustrated with the airline and stressed about the delay in time. Clearly any inconvenience to me could not compare to this person's anxiety.

This morning I prayed to God for this woman and her family, particularly regarding the health of her father and asked that God's will be done. Whatever the outcome I pray for peace and acceptance on their parts. Then, I thanked God for delivering yet another lesson and asked for his continued "fine-tuning" of my behavior and personality deficits. Isn't it amazing how God sends us these little reminders, when we need them the most, of his amazing power!

Source: http://mawebb.blogspot.com

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2004-2006. All Rights Reserved

PUBLISHING AND REPRINT RIGHTS: You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook or on your website, free of charge, as long as the author's information and web link are included at the bottom of the article and the article is not changed, modified or altered in any way. The web link should be active when the article is reprinted on a web site or in an email. Please forward a courtesy email to the author including an active web link where it is posted.