The scenery on my daily route to work is colored with an endless sea of orange barrels.

 The sound of heavy equipment draws my attention to the busy work area on my right and left. I see hard hat workers, asphalt trucks going back and forth re-surfacing the foundation and giant claws moving the earth - all signs of development and growth.

 The high-visibility markers define a specific path for me to take.

 I applaud progress. It's the "getting there" that usually frustrates me.

 Like most drivers, I don't like delays, stops or detours. As I look at the whole picture, it seems chaotic to me.

 I'm thankful the highway engineer is responsible for all the details and keeps the orange barrels out in front to help me concentrate on my course.

 The more I condition myself to be open for improvements in my life, the road further on becomes wider, smoother and free of potholes.

 As long as I stay focused on where I am supposed to be, God takes care of the rest.

 God is in charge of the construction and redesign of our lives. He allows us to ride along safely while he is up ahead doing the heavy duty stuff on our behalf - clearing the way, moving obstacles, using technology, equipment and people to make a brighter tomorrow.

 If we recognize that he is Lord in all areas of our lives, we can rest in the promise of Proverbs 3:6, "In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths" (KJV).

 Colleen Capes Jackson is the director of the East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers and can be reached at (404) 444-7514.