Don’t you just hate traffic jams and construction zones? If so, we have something in common. For the past week, my commute to work consists basically of one main road… St. Rt. 42. Anyone else who travels it on a daily basis knows that for the past week it’s been under some serious construction causing all sorts of congestion, along with testing my patience…

Before I got too worked up sitting at a dead stop this morning, two things came to mind. I’m going to share these thoughts with everyone just in case you ever find yourself in the same predicament.

1. Be thankful you’re not that man/woman standing out in 90 degree weather with jeans on for 8+ hours a day working to make our commute safer and smoother.

Can you imagine being that person? Some of you may BE that person. All I can say is “Thank you”. That is not a job I want or wish to ever have. I’ll be more patient for 15 minutes from now on and remember that I’m not the one who has to hold that “stop” sign or “slow down” sign for everyone stuck in that construction zone giving dirty looks and glares to the construction workers as if they purposely attempted to make us late for work. It’s not their fault! So next time you pass that lady or man directing traffic in a construction zone, give them a smile, nod, or wave of appreciation because after all, they are ultimately making our commute better for the future.

1. Patience my friend.

Psalm 37:7-9 (NLT) says the following:

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.”

My Grandma once told me, during a Confession of Road Rage I was sharing with her, that maybe that elderly lady driving 30 mph in a 55 mph speed limit was an Angel purposely driving slow to prevent an accident I could possibly have. That has ALWAYS stuck in my mind and I hope it will stick in yours as well.

So next time you’re caught up in a traffic jam or behind someone taking their good ol time, remember WHY you are in this situation and keep in mind that there IS a reason for it. Patience my friend…