Construction Zone

Tonight I figured out the perfect analogy for my current life. I am currently “under construction”. For anyone who lives here in the great state of Utah, the word construction may bring bad memories and feelings to mind, as much of the state has been under construction for years (the freeways, all of downtown SLC, etc). A "construction zone" is an interesting situation to be in, as it is a temporary state, on the way to creating something much better, however, it can be very difficult to navigate through while it is happening.

In Utah, you may drive downtown, only to find out that today you can’t turn left on this road. Or, you get on the freeway expecting your commute to be 45 minutes, like it always is, only to realize that because of the construction, it takes double the time. Perhaps your usual route is totally closed to traffic and now your only option is the train. Your travel to the hospital may stop, only miles short of your destination, due to a truck blocking the road, making you late for your appointment to see the doctor. You notice new lines on the road and struggle to follow the new "traffic pattern" which will likely be new again, tomorrow. Then the giant "cones" are put up, which narrow the lanes of travel and even the slightest movement on the road could send you crashing into concrete barriers. Ahh, the joys of construction.

Well, this is very much like my life. I don’t know what to expect from day to day, there are speed bumps, “slow down” signs, and broken roads all over the place. Some days it is a headache, other day it is the loss of strength and energy that derail my plans. Yet on other days, my sight and depth perception keep me from completing my tasks. Sometimes it is the hearing, or the taste, the paralysis or hair loss and itchy head, and sadly, sometimes, all the roads are closed and everything shuts down at once. Most of the time, I can navigate around these issues, but sometimes I get stuck on a road that just doesn’t go where I want it to. My roads have been closed a lot lately, and I am trying to figure out a "new route" for my daily life.

The wonderful thing is, construction always means something new and improved is on the way. I feel like that is true for me, too. I may not be new, but perhaps recycled into an improved state is more like it. I am not the same person, though it may appear that I look and act the same on the outside. I am different on the inside. I am more whole on the inside than the outside. I have a new lease on life and a new strength that only comes from facing challenges head on. I know when my re-construction is complete, I will have safe, solid roads to drive on for years to come. Sure, they will still get potholes, but the construction crew has been retained for years of maintenance, so as to avoid major delays or mishaps in the future.

So, what is the point of this whole analogy? Well, today was a wonderful day and I feel inspired by the leaders of my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, see mormon.org for more info) who spoke to us and gave us revelation on how to lead our lives. Their words made me want to become a better person, a better version of me. Today, the construction crews were off for the Sabbath and the travel was light and good. Tomorrow may not be the same, but at least I know that when the big project is complete, my life will again be navigable, with smoother sailing and blue skies ahead! So, bring on the orange cones, to me, they are a sign of progress and innovation!