National Pothole Day

Yesterday was national pothole day. The problem of road surface damage affects millions of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians; we need long-term solutions to pothole repair.

Our county of Suffolk was rated ‘red’ – one of the worst in the country. The regional news showed pictures of potholes on a roundabout a mile away; a mechanic from a local garage talked about the damage to local cars that he’s had to deal with.

Politicians talked about the money that has been spent on road resurfacing, of potholes that have been filled, of plans to rectify the problem. Past actions and future intentions are great. The potholes still need filling.  

I was entertained by a small boy pushing a fire engine around the hospital waiting area, with ‘nee-nah, nee-nah’ sound effects. He then withdrew with his mother to a play-area…

…Fire-engine-boy was brought to a chair near me by his mother, ‘The toys are for all the children, not just for you… You can play with the dinosaur. The other little boy can play with the lorry… Will it hurt you if someone throws a toy at you?… You must go and say sorry to the little boy.’

They returned to the play-area. Fire-engine-boy did as he was told. Mother had done a good job filling in potholes caused by her son.

I’ve been reading the story of Joseph. There’s been hatred, lies, injustice, broken family relationships, a father’s mourned the loss of his son. It’s a family filled with potholes.

The story ends with forgiveness, reconciliation and a family reunited. Deep potholes that have caused damage for many years are filled in. Joseph repeatedly refers to God who’s enabled that to happen.

Isaiah the prophet says, ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord… Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed…’

Jesus will come as one who will fill potholes…