Road Building

“A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:3

As a mom, I’ve said it probably a kajillion times: Are you ready yet?

It’s encouragement with an edge, and the implied message is clear:

Why aren’t you ready yet?

I learned a long time ago the key to leaving for anywhere on time with children is to have everything ready to go — clothes washed, socks matched with shoes, baths taken the night before. Even then things go wrong: spilled juice on a clean shirt, or contraband gum caught in long hair.
Preparation is key.

Think about all the places where preparation makes a difference: isn’t cooking easier when you’ve read through an intricate recipe first and gotten everything chopped that needs chopping, or sifted that needs sifting, or measured into those cute little cups so you’re ready to go? If you want to grow up to be a concert violinist, isn’t it better to prepare by taking violin lessons and practicing?

Can you imagine just showing up with your violin at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City and volunteering to play with the The New York Philharmonic?

All of which brings up this question: If preparation is key, what exactly am I preparing for?

I can think of all kinds of things I want to learn and do, but my heart’s desire is to prepare the way of the LORD. All those other things are really just a means to that end.
Cooking meals for His glory, raising kids to honor Him, learning new skills with which to praise and serve Him — in my book, they are all road-building for the King.

Holly doesn’t play the violin — or piano — because she’s too busy with a husband, 8 kids, 6 in-laws, 10 grandkids, and a golden lab who likes to play throw-the-ball. Someday, though, she’s going to learn to play something.

photo credit: Holly