Obstacles

When I am running, I find that my eyes are constantly tracking – usually between the horizon in the distance and the ground just in front of me. I need to know where I am - what immediate obstacles are in my way? - Uneven concrete on sidewalks, potholes in the road and roots and debris on the trail. And, I need to know where I am headed - uphill, downhill - where is the next turn?

I also find that I notice objects on the ground. What often catches my eye are sharp pieces of metal in the road. I’ve had so many flat tires from nails and screws that were left behind! This evening, Shannon, Zach and I were on a walk when I saw finish nails scattered at the edge of the road. I kicked them all as close as I could to the curb then came home to get my magnetic sweeper (yes, I own a magnetic sweeper – I told you, I have had way too many flat tires from nails! When we had our roof replaced, the contractor did a pretty good job cleaning up but there are always a few nails left behind!) I got some pretty funny looks as I stood by the curb running my sweeper along the edge of the road occasionally dumbing the collected nails into a bucket.

As I have thought more about my obsession, I have asked myself a couple of questions: What obstacles do I leave behind that others have to clean up? In what ways am I helping to clear the path for others?

As we are in the midst of this contentious campaign season, it is tempting to lash out when we are frustrated and discouraged. When our words are angry and our actions are inconsistent with who God has called and created us to be we leave hazards in our wake.

Jesus has some tough words for us about creating obstacles for others:

“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes!”

Matthew 18:6-7

Life is full of obstacles – we have to make sure that we are not adding any additional hurdles along the way.

The prophet Isaiah provides offers some words of comfort:

A voice cries out:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

and the rough places a plain.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

and all people shall see it together,

for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Isaiah 40:3-5

These words look back to the Exodus when God delivered God’s people out of Egypt. The words also look forward to when John the Baptist will prepare the way for Jesus who will lead all of us back to God.

May we clear the way for others while following the path that God has prepared.