Obstrucitons

Obstruct: to block or close up; to make difficult to pass.
To hinder,interrupt or oppose the passage, progress or course of something.
To be in the way of

There are alot of things that will cause obstructions in our lives. It is how we handle these obstructions that reveal our true selves.

Some minor obstructions: someone in your view at a ball game or play. You can ask them politely to move a litte. Taking a walk and finding barriers that prevent you from taking the path you had envisioned. You make the detours, small or little and continue on your way.

Major obstructions can occur quite unexpectedly. You receive the diagnosis that something is obstructing the natural passage in your body. It could be in your colon, your ureters, your bladder or your kidneys. It could be in your fallopian tubes preventing you from being able to be pregnant.
Or it could be in your lungs. I was told yesterday, that there is something obstructing my lungs. This wasn't unexpected news to me because for 3 months now, I have had this cough that never subsided after I had pneumonia at Christmas time. Sometimes its annoying. Other times it can be a bit frightening to those who hear it. I cough like I am trying to rid myself of my lung. It is spasmodic and the sound is like almost a continaul gutteral sound. And then I wheeze and then I try and catch my breath.
I don't know what this obstuction is and know I will find out soon enough.
But today I purposed to not let this obstruction rule my life.
I am not letting it get in the way of things I love to do. Like hanging out with my college friends. Like playing with my grandsons. Trying to be real in the midst of uncertainty.

It has caused me to wonder what I have let obstruct my relationship with God.
Oh there are many things:
. Watching TV shows or movies that do absolutely nothing to promote a healtlhy relationship with Him.
. Being selfish and wanting my own way-which happens way too often.
. Thinking I know all the answers and have figured things out on my own-which doesn't allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in my life.
. Being manipulative in my relationships.
. Anger-left unchecked that leads to resentment and bitterness (OUCH).
. Coveting. Why can't I be content with all that I have?
. Worrying about people. Why?? 95% of what we worry about never materializes.
. Being over concerned with "my little world". When GOD's world encompasses all.

Ashamedly, I have let many things interrupt the natural flow of my relationship with God.
That is not how I long to be. What I long to be is someone who reflects God , day in and day out. No matter what the news of the day unveils. No matter what might rock my world to its core.
I want to be the opposite of obstucted. I want to encourage and further anything that will allow me to know and experience God's goodness, His love and Grace to me.

My reactions are what I need to work on. My heart needs to stay calm. My heart needs to stay close to my LORD- to stay in His Presence and abide in His Peace.

JOHN 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world, you may have trouble (or trials or sorrows). But take heart! I have overcome the world!

GOD knows all about my obstructions. The one in my lungs -not allowing me to get the good breath I so desperately want. And the ones in my heart- that are not allowing me to see Him clearly. And I believe wholeheartedly that He is the ONE who Overcomes...the small and the big obstacles...they really are pretty minimal to Him.