I can’t seem to let go of Jesus’ teachings using seeds, the possibilities of meaning seem to be endless. In my jottings, and brain-stormings and word webs I message that seemed to come through was about our continued growth in God. You know the phrase, “Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” I began my day as I usually do, reading my devotionals, with the intent to write this post. I couldn’t believe what I was reading – was it serendipity or affirmation. Whatever it was I acknowledge that sometimes other people can express the same idea better than I can. Here is Rev. Mike Piazza’s devotional for Friday, August 1, 2014 (Liberating Word: a publication for the Center for Progressive Renewal).
When Billy’s wife, Ruth, died in 2007, they discovered that she had designed her own tombstone. She didn’t note any of her achievements. She didn’t even say wife or mother. What she wrote was a reflection of her maturing understanding that, as long as we are alive, God is at work with us and in us, trying to make us stronger, healthier, holier.
Apparently, Ruth was driving one day, when she realized that a roadside sign said best what she was learning about her life. After passing barriers and cones and flags along the side of the road, she came to a sign that read, “End of construction. Thank you for your patience.”
Ruth Graham left explicit instructions that, after she died, she wanted those very words on her gravestone. What a wonderful truth. Every day we are people under construction. To my family, friends, and colleagues I just want to say, “Thank you for your patience.” I also want to remember that you are under construction, too, so I should try to be a bit more patient with you.
I can hardly wait to see how we turn out.”
In our living – Construction Zone Ahead. Be patient God isn’t finished with me yet.
In our dying – End of Construction. Thank you for your patience.
Peace,
Rev. Chellie
John Street United Methodist Church 