Signs, sign, everywhere a sign

One sign gave an ominous warning, “Do not cross. Thank you.”

Another advertised a national weight loss program. Still another promoted a new video streaming service. Finally two more announced a train crossing and “Road Work Ahead.”

I felt like the Aerosmith song was playing itself out in front of me: “Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind, Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”

There are signs everywhere in everyday life, but we’ve gotten so used to them that we don’t even notice them. At least that’s what’s happening to me.

I was trying to find my way recently on an unfamiliar road. The sun had started to set and I was twisted all out of sorts. You could have told me any direction of your choosing to travel and I would have believed you.

I was trying to type out our destination on the map on my smartphone when my wife pointed straight ahead to a sign that, of course, pointed me in the right direction.

Talk about a slap in the face. It was right in front of me all along.  

I suspect that happens to all of us at one time or another. It’s that way with a lot of things, everything from misplaced keys and wallets to workout gains. The items are right  there, right in front of our face.

I think that’s how it is too with God. When I’m frustrated, I say I can’t see him or tell what he wants me to do. Does he want me to take that new job? Does he want me to tackle that new challenge? Where does he want me to go next?

I sometimes feel like I have more questions than answers, but when I stop what I’m doing and really look or listen for him, he’s right there in front of me the whole darn time.

He’s in the faces of my children or a photo on my laptop that brings back a happy memory. He’s the beautiful sunrise that I see on my way to work. He’s in the encouraging “good morning” that a friend offers when I get into the office.

He’s everywhere. I just needed to look.