Pothole

Where did that pothole come from? One colorful explanation of the word “pothole” dated back to the Roman Empire when potters, for simplicity reasons, would dig up clay from a rut in the road. Thus, when a wagon would come by and drop into one of these holes, they knew a potter had been digging there. Potholes, so the story goes, have been the term ever since. Well, there must have been a few pots made from the ruts in our road, because there is an abundance of potholes. As I was driving the other day, not paying close enough attention, I managed to drive right into one of these potholes. Bang.

Spilled Cup

As I bounce off the seat so does my hot chi tea from the securement of the cupholder. Now, that drink I was looking forward to all morning, is poured out on the console, me, and the floor of my truck. It was like that pothole just come out of nowhere. Disgruntled for more reasons than one, I got to wondering… How much does this episode parallel my spiritual life? Just like falling into a pothole of doubt and fear, lack of faith and hope, poor health or sorrow, loss, or pain.

Life’s Potholes

Blindsided by a pothole that spills out sinful actions. However, Jesus says we will encounter these hazards in the road of life (John 16:33), not only that, but potholes will also be plentiful, for the road is wide that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13), and the forces of evil are waiting for us to fall into that pothole, everywhere we turn (Ephesians 6:12). How will you respond when hitting these bumps of trials and temptations? What will you do when your cup of chi tea spills out? When we bounce into these holes in the road in our life, whatever our cup is filled with inside of us will spill out. Is it filled with hatred, anger, greed, or self-pity… ready to spill out when blind sighted by a pothole?

Keep Your Cup Full

I must admit, as Christians we are not exempt from getting angry or upset. That is why God has given us emotions that will be outwardly visible. But it is the way that we handle our emotions from within that will spill out and reflect our spiritual image (Mark 7:20). As Christians, our cup should be full of the “Fruit of the Spirit” the Apostle Paul talks about In Galatians 5:22-23, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Through faith, the Holy Spirit will keep our cup filled with these things, so when we do hit a pothole in life, that is what will spill out of us. So, as you travel down life’s highway, remember that your cup of tea will spill out from the potholes you drop into. But make sure you fill it right back up again with the Holy Spirit. Then, keep on trucking down that highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8).

Dear Lord, help me keep my cup full of your goodness, ready to spill out when I run into a pothole in the road.  Amen.

John 16:33
Matthew 7:13
Ephesians 6:12
Mark 7:20
Galatians 5:22-23
Isaiah 35:8