“Mark out a straight path for you feet; stay on the safe path.”

We all pretty much understand and have taken the dynamics of a stoplight to heart.  If we haven’t, then shouldn’t be driving.  The stoplight represents one of the most well-understood and well-respected forms of authority that we all share.  Even that we call them stoplights, instead of go-lights confirms our understanding of the control they have over us.  A traffic engineer decided where to place the stoplight and programmed the default timing of when the light changes.  We have some influence over the pattern by what cars or pedestrians can trigger the sensors associated with the intersection, but for the most part, we are at the full mercy and authority of the red, yellow and green bulbs.  However, a roundabout is a whole different approach to intersection traffic flow. While there are rules on how and when we are to enter and exit the roundabout the authority has been dispersed to each driver to decide how the flow goes.  In Joi Ito’s new book, “Whiplash”,  he explains how this transfer of authority and ultimately locus of power is a metaphor for how much of the information and communication flow has changed since the advent of the Internet.  We probably don’t have to think long to recognize this in our own work and life patterns.  Each day we are now bombarded with roundabout type of workflow and instead of being able to depend upon a stoplight to call the shots, we have to work within the roundabout, hoping to get from entry to exit efficiently, productively and safely.  If we are still waiting and hoping for a return to a stoplight environment, then be ready to be stuck in an endless roundabout.

As believers, we live with the fortunate gift and grace of God’s authority over us (otherwise we can’t pray to Him as Lord) but even with His authority over us, He allows to live within a roundabout, making our own choices of when to enter and exit life’s roads and traffic.  This makes for a wonderful life but a we know those choices make for also a life of deliberate set of choices.  Today, while at work, we will be called to enter many roundabouts.  As we do, let’s call upon Him to guide us through each of them safely and within His will.

Reference: Proverbs 4:26 (New Living Translation)