Under Construction
by: Denise Mailhot

Saturday Ramblins, Vol. 2, No. 13 (July 3, 1999)

I was driving up Main Street. Just as I caught sight of the road construction worker, she turned the sign around so that I could see "Stop." I knew it! She had to do that just as I was coming. What a - oops! Sorry Lord. I did it again. (You know I love her too.)

Yes, I know, Lord. I shouldn't have thought that. I shouldn't have glared at the worker. She's just doing her job. (Did you notice, she doesn't look very happy doing it, either?)

Yes I can see that, Lord. She's received glares from quite a few people so far today. (And some didn't just glare.)

Lord, forgive me. Show me how to change this in myself. I don't like this in myself either. (Okay, as long as you're willing.) Thanks Lord. With Your grace I know that I can do better.

This little scenario reminded me that I am also under construction, just like the road. The Lord is the contractor. How many times did He take apart little sections of me in order to make me better and more useful to Him, just like repairs to Main Street? And then, how many times did He seem to take out a whole piece of my life in order to refurbish what is underneath, just like what I saw on Court Street this week? Sometimes construction is a real mess. It's always an inconvenience with lots of detours!

Life, like the traffic, gets backed up and seems like it will take forever to get where we are going!

His Grace is the fuel that keeps us on track. When we make the time to come into His presence and allow ourselves to be restored, we have the strength to endure and also enjoy the construction that is going on. We endure the corrections, the adjustments, the stripping of the topcoat and veneer, to expose the truth underneath. Once we are re-constructed, we enjoy the freedom of being more to His liking, formed by His hands into the road that will help others also to see His handiwork around them.

Father, forgive me for not living up to what I claim to proclaim. Grant me the grace to love You more, with my full heart, and not have room left over for the negative. Re-construct me as You see fit. Thank You Jesus for showing me the way.

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