Orange Barrels

Year 6 - Day 196: Today, I am grateful for orange barrels... and a guiding hand. 

Orange construction barrels have long been on my list of "overkill" items. Seriously, why do they need so many in constructions zones. They make me a bit claustrophobic.  
Yesterday, I changed my view of orange construction barrels forever. 

It was a quick road trip with "my girls" as my friend DeAnn's grandson calls our little trio. We were not going a great distance. We were on mission. Laughing, joking and catching up. It was all fun and silliness for the three of us. Then... the rain hit.

It started as a sprinkle, but in no time at all it was as pouring. Buckets! The kind of a downpour where the windshield wipers are almost useless because you can't see much of anything beyond a few feet in front of the car. 

I was afraid of pulling over and someone hitting us. I knew the safest thing to do was to stay in our lane, proceeding cautiously. I had precious girlfriends in the car and felt the responsibility. They were encouraging every calm... but it was ugly. And, of course, we hit construction. It is summer in Illinois. 

In the blinding rain, it was tough to find the white line in the middle of the road. In the construction area, the closely set orange barrels helped keep us safe and guide us on our way. Every barrel was a blessing, as it reassured us that we were on the right path. They were, literally, life savers. 

When life is confusing, it is good to reaffirm that you are on the right path. So many times, there are downpours in life that cloud our vision. It is easy to lose our way. The scriptures remind us that the ancient path is still good and in it we will find rest for our souls. 

Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. -Jeremiah 6:16

Are we a people who are seeking the ancient path? Do we fuss about orange barrels or do we see that they are in truth, protecting and guiding us in safety? Changes in gratitude make changes in attitude. We can turn our fusses and frustrations into thankful spots. 

Today, I am grateful for orange barrels.