Coming from the city, we have emotional stop your day reactions when we see a dog or cat lying dead on the side of the road. But here in the country it is an everyday occurrence and almost expected to see what we have callously dubbed “road kill.” It is not unusual to see a deer or a squirrel or other creature having met their fate via the grill of one car or another.
The other day I even saw a wild pig laying lifelessly along the side of my scenic drive to work! I have to admit that I still have not gotten used to it. And it makes me feel a little empty inside as I realize how precious life is and how fast it can get snatched away.
We may have more sense than to dart out in front of an oncoming car. And it makes me wonder what logic is behind their decision to cross the road right when one is barreling around a corner. But if that didnt’ happen, how would I write about my metaphor of the day? Now I don’t like to liken us to “road kill” but I can relate in a way. I see those headlights “of life” coming and think that they are lighting my way, when in reality they are my sign to proceed with caution. How many times do we go looking for signs to only see the ones that we really want to see and overlook the ones that God gives us as He lays out blazing flares warning us to proceed with caution?
Just like an animal darting out into the path of an oncoming car, we sometimes just close our eyes and leap. We don’t look both ways or proceed with caution, we don’t arm ourselves with daily prayer or stop and ask for God’s direction. We get caught up in trying to get our needs met as quickly as possible and in the process miss the message.
In my life, I’ve discovered that patience is a virtue. And what is virtue? It is: goodness, righteousness, morality, integrity, dignity, rectitude, honor, decency, respectability, nobility, principles and ethics. In Christianity the seventh highest order of the nine fold celestial hierarchy. Worth waiting for don’t you think? Beats darting across the road blindly and becoming “road kill.”
Oh Lord please take this day
and slow me down to see,
all the ways you try to
communicate with me.
Stop me at the corner
when I am running late,
slow me down to hear YOU,
when you tell me just to wait.
For I’ve finally begun to see,
that I get in my own way…
After giving it to you,
and then taking back my day!
Diane Reed
2014©
Mar 09, 2014 @ 23:55:33
“I see those headlights ‘of life’ coming and think that they are lighting my way, when in reality they are my sign to proceed with caution. How many times do we go looking for signs to only see the ones that we really want to see and overlook the ones that God gives us as He lays out blazing flares warning us to proceed with caution?…” This is such great analogy! I like the poem, too.
I am so glad that in spite of so many things, my love of learning and my joy for living (although a little bruised) is still intact, and that the Lord is sending me guides like you in the blogging world to help me on my way.
Blessings,
Theresa
Mar 10, 2014 @ 01:08:34
Theresa,
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand exactly what I was hoping to get across. ♡
Feb 05, 2014 @ 22:17:15
This is exactly what I needed to read today! Even if I am a bit late…. It’s still perfect for my day today! Thanks for writing so beautifully! :D
Feb 15, 2014 @ 12:45:51
Keli
I just noticed that I have your name’s spelling in my phone automatically. It made you seem special and familiar. ♡
So nice to find your comments again!
Just saw this one as I am starting my day. Nice one to start my day to :-)
Feb 05, 2014 @ 14:12:18
Patience is something we all need to embrace. I remind myself of this daily. Great post!
Feb 15, 2014 @ 12:48:39
Kerri
Thanks for always reading and always GETTING my exact message♡
Your comments always make me feel heard! :-)
Feb 04, 2014 @ 02:44:22
I quit asking for patience, I think each time I did the lessons got longer and harder,
could be the Divine was thinking how slow I was that I didn’t understand what patience was…now I no longer go with the flow of it I image I am the flow of patience some days good, some days not so good…
one should never get used to seeing animals as roadkill…
this was a wonderful post Thank you for sharing it with us…it gives
a pause to think…
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
maryrose
Feb 15, 2014 @ 13:00:21
Maryrose…
Thank you for your well thought out comment. I loved it! I am just now coming back and finding them here today and am having a grand time reading everyone’s different perspectives. I LOVE yours! :-)
Feb 03, 2014 @ 04:48:32
Diane, I loved this post! It sure does beat darting out into the street and becoming road kill, even though it isn’t always very easy to wait!
Feb 15, 2014 @ 13:00:56
LOL Sheri!!!
Feb 16, 2014 @ 20:00:37
😊
Feb 02, 2014 @ 00:58:09
Hi Diane. You could say that my sister was road kill with a pheasant 10 years ago. Ralph xox
http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/tributes-to-bike-tragedy-nurse-5782.aspx
Feb 03, 2014 @ 04:04:45
Ralph,
That is sooo sad! I am so sorry for your loss!
Apr 27, 2014 @ 20:22:08
No problem. That was 9 years ago. Bless you for your words Keri. Ralph xox <3
Feb 15, 2014 @ 13:01:42
Ralph!!!!
That was soooo sad! I am soooo sorry!
Feb 15, 2014 @ 20:23:54
It’s okay, it was years ago. I hated that bike and refused many times to ride as pillion. They liked to ride on it.
Change of subject. I hope you had a fabulous Valentine’s Day my friend. If not, here’s loads of kisses for you.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo :D
Feb 15, 2014 @ 20:23:54
It’s okay, it was years ago. I hated that bike and refused many times to ride as pillion. They liked to ride on it.
Change of subject. I hope you had a fabulous Valentine’s Day my friend. If not, here’s loads of kisses for you.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo :D
Feb 16, 2014 @ 04:35:53
Ahhh Ralphie!!! You too xoxoxo
Feb 01, 2014 @ 19:46:43
What a beautiful post. Patience is one I struggle with, but definitely worth waiting for His intervention and timing. By the way, seeing dead animals on the side of the road still gets to me too.:)
Feb 15, 2014 @ 13:08:38
Becky,
Thanks for reading! I have been reading your blog lately and love it!~ I especially loved your valentine post!
Feb 01, 2014 @ 13:38:18
Good reminder for us all to stop and smell the roses! :)
Feb 15, 2014 @ 13:09:22
Debbie,
You captured the whole message!
xoxo
Feb 16, 2014 @ 01:08:49
You know me too well! :)
Feb 16, 2014 @ 03:47:08
And visa versa! ;)
Feb 16, 2014 @ 23:04:56
xo
Jan 31, 2014 @ 17:16:18
“… those headlights ”of life”
This is amazing.
Feb 01, 2014 @ 01:05:13
Always there being such a great cheer leader♥♥♥♥♥
Feb 01, 2014 @ 19:59:33
I tells it like it is. :-D
Jan 31, 2014 @ 16:17:22
The only thing more precious than life…, is love !
Feb 01, 2014 @ 01:04:06
Thanks
You are such a good inspire-er♡♡xoxox
Jan 31, 2014 @ 15:48:03
Love this! Thank you…we all need reminders in our daily life, this is one for me today. You can bet I will think of this the next time I come across this on the road. Thanks ;0)
Jan 31, 2014 @ 15:51:39
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I especially loved your God’s toe nail post!!! Glad to follow ya!
xoxo
Jan 31, 2014 @ 14:52:32
So true Diane. It hurts me to see animals dead on or along side the roads we travel. I am also trying to be patient and wait for the “things” I want, because in the end they are not as important as my peace of mind. And when God wants me to have those or something better, it will be all the more joyful.
Your poem is beautiful and I said it as my own prayer. Thank you Diane.
May God bless you wish His special favor today.
Jan 31, 2014 @ 14:56:12
Ann,
YOU always make my day! I love that we have bumped into each other. I loved your latest post! What a romantic place you live in! I see that your patience has earned you the joy you have found there! God is sooo good! Everyone should go take a look at your blog!
xoxo
Jan 31, 2014 @ 15:07:36
Thanks Diane. It has taken many years to learn patience. Sometimes I still falter, but I KNOW that it is best to wait in God’s time. I ask Him each day to guide me and I pray to know when HE is whispering His messages to me.
Jan 31, 2014 @ 14:20:12
So sad … but this is the realty – the car is many years worst enemy … in Sweden there is a law that if we hit an animals we have to stop and check that the animal is dead, if we not able to put it out it’s misery we have to call the police and people do. Especially when it’s about bigger animals.
Jan 31, 2014 @ 14:23:41
Viv,
I remember when i saw someone hit a cat on my way to work. I think I was in my twenties. The driver just kept going. I scooped it up and it died in my arms. A neighbor came out and took it… I can’t remember the whole scenario of what happened next but I felt at least he didn’t die alone. It is so sad. But way more too much for this particular post’s metaphor! ;)
Thanks for reading! Soo good to see you! Hope life is well for you!
xoxo
Jan 31, 2014 @ 14:00:26
if there were even a little more patience in this realm abiding Peace would be assured …
Jan 31, 2014 @ 14:24:14
Grandfathersky,
Amen.
xoxo