one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Potholes!

I am a resident of Nashville, Tennessee. During the time I’ve lived here I have experienced 13 winters. Most have been relatively mild. This year was the harshest by far. Thick layers of ice blanketed Music City on more than one occasion.
One of the greatest challenges Nashville faced during these storms was keeping the roadways clear. Snow plows and salt trucks worked feverishly to keep highways and city streets passable.

An unfortunate byproduct of the street crew’s work was the toll it took on concrete and asphalt surfaces. The combination of frozen water in the cracks and crevices, the relentless scraping by the plows, and the deteriorating effects of salt wreaked havoc on the roadways. The end result was the formation of potholes.

During this time I had to make a trip across our fair city. One particular stretch of an interstate bypass was especially rough. So rough, in fact, that electronic messaging signs flashed a warning to motorists—“Expect Pot Holes.”

• Potholes happen. We have no reason to look for someone to blame. In most cases, they are not the result of carelessness or gross negligence. They happen as a natural consequence of winter weather and the wear and tear of traffic.

• Potholes are expensive. Annually, motorists spend a great deal of money repairing damage to their vehicles because of craters in the road. This cost includes replacing tires and bent wheels and realignment of the front end. Not to mention the added expense to city and state governments for road repairs.
  

• Potholes are dangerous. According to news reports, numerous fender-benders resulted from drivers attempting to dodge these rough spots. One motorcyclist hit a pothole, lost control of his bike, collided with a car, and was killed as a result. Tragic!
  

• Expect potholes. You know they are coming…not only on the highway, but also in life. You have probably encountered some potholes in your journey down life’s pathway. If you haven’t, you will. So allow me to give you some advice…don’t waste your time blaming God or trying to explain why. It will only make you bitter and frustrated. Sometimes, bad things happen. Christians aren’t exempt from life’s potholes.
  

Instead of looking in the rearview mirror and getting angry at the potholes behind you, keep your eyes and attention focused on the road ahead. Slow down, be alert, and try to avoid those teeth-jarring cavities whenever possible. “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path” (Psalm 27:11a).

About the Column

One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and the joys of grandchildren.