Looking ahead (Originally posted on Facebook Jul 28, 2013)

 was riding down the highway today and saw some familiar signs that I'm sure most people are aware of. These signs indicated the closing of lanes that were coming up. The first sign I saw said 6 miles ahead. Then shortly thereafter another sign with 1 mile. Then there were flashing arrows and barrels that began the process of closing those lanes. I have often watched in amazement at people that seem to totally ignore these signs and then appear in a hurry to get over before it's too late or just assume the rest of the world will make way for them. Today I began wondering how often in my life I do this. How often is it that God sends me the signs I need to be getting ready for something, to start taking action? How often to I recognize the signs and do what needs to be done to make the transition smooth? How often to I recognize them but think to myself, "I don't have to worry about that right now, I still have time" and then find myself in a panic trying to figure out how to make a move before I crash? Or even worse, how often do I see the signs, ignore them, and then expect the rest of the world to accommodate my inaction with no consequence to myself? I'm afraid the answer to the latter 2 scenarios is too often. Just as it is in the construction zones, I believe that if people would just pay attention to the signs that God gives us, take action to prepare and not wait until the last minute, life would flow much smoother. Unfortunately, it seems we are all too often trying so hard to get ahead of just one more person, that we end up trying to fit in where there isn't room and causing the rest of those around us undo pain and agony. I would hope and pray that I can begin to do a better job of taking action and preparing for things when I first recognize the signals and signs instead of waiting for the pathway to end.