Update #159 - Road Construction

“Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:14

No construction - just the usual, horrid traffic in Jakarta, Indonesia

Summer and road construction are almost synonymous in the States. The sun comes out and so do the backhoes, hard hats, swivel stop signs and orange-vested people. This also means traffic delays and congestion just about everywhere you want to drive.

I was in Palo Alto on one of the main tributaries trying to make a lunch date. Traffic was stalled, creeping forward at a glacial pace and I knew I was going to be late. I called my girlfriend and told her of the delay and got out the GPS… maybe I could take a side street?

I wasn’t the only one who had considered this alternative. The side streets were just as jammed as the main thoroughfare. Sighing, I merged back into the massive backup and waited for my turn to move forward eighteen inches.

I sat. I waited. I crept forward a foot and a half at a time. As I vacillated between Park and Drive I saw an odd thing occurring; those in line with me lost patience with the process, peeled off, did an illegal U-Turn and went back the way they came. With each one leaving the line I got closer to the stopgap, gained a car length, and picked up time.

Knowing all the side streets were crammed I wondered where they were going. Did they know some other route I, and my trusty GPS, weren’t aware of? Were they wearied by the process, rules, and merging they decided to try another day? Did they just give up?

As I sat there, this verse came to me: “narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Well, if there was ever an illustration this was it… the tributary was definitely narrow (three lanes to one), only a few cars make it through at a time, and, on the other side was “freedom” - an open road free of roadblocks and construction.

I don’t know what was going through the other driver’s thoughts and minds as they left the queue to go back the way they came – weariness, disillusionment, disheartenment, frustration, disappointment, irritation, annoyance, exasperation, aggravation… I wondered if those who come close to knowing God and his Christ feel the same way. If they, in their quest for freedom, encounter a roadblock, hindrances, a delay, become irritated and disillusioned at the process turn back to try another day, if at all.

What would they need to make it successfully through the gate? More importantly, what do I have that could be helpful?

I am still pondering my answer. I know there are a million responses one could give – but I also think each gate seeker needs a unique approach and touch.

What has God asked you to do in your non-believing friends, family and coworkers lives to bring them closer to the gate of his kingdom? What ways are you living your life to be less of a hindrance and more of a help? What obstacles have you removed from your life?

Updates:

Travel – Tickets are in the process of being booked, agenda is being finalized, and visa’s aren’t applicable (whoo hoo)… Seoul, South Korea I’m landing November 10th!

Work – Lots of speaking engagements for Brett, Lyn, and Linh – as well as Gareth and Thomas on the India front.

Personal – Cars are still in need but holding together. It is like they know we are looking for replacements and are intentionally behaving themselves.

Requests:

Travel – Accommodations and agenda to solidify for Seoul, and for the Chennai team to finalize.

Work – For the upcoming international travel and for our team headed to Chennai.

Personal – Reading a great book by James Goll – The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence; challenging, but very good read.

P.S. Happy Birthday Yawnet, Jonah, Jelet WU WU! We love you!