As many of you know, we relocated to North Carolina in January. Unpacking boxes is just one of the tasks involved in a move. Getting a driver’s license is another. My friend Bev moved to South Carolina and only had to take a vision test to get her new license. In NC, we have to take a vision test, road sign test and a written test. To say that I stressed over it, is an understatement. Yes, I’ve been driving for over 40 years but there is something about those “trick” questions that had me stressed. How many points are deducted from your license if you go to safe driving school? Do we park a block or 400 feet from an emergency vehicle entrance? I devoured the manual as if I were preparing for an exam in grad school. Would I remember everything to pass the test?

I was given twelve road signs to identify. Most were common sense and fairly obvious. STOP meant stop! The blank ones were a surprise. What do you say about a blank sign? It’s yellow. It has a particular shape. Duh. The point of testing the blank signs was to give the purpose of the sign -- to differentiate between warnings, regulatory, and informational/guide signs. I had to identify the purpose and give an example.

Yes, road signs have a purpose. We encounter life road signs every day. Are you alert enough to recognize one when you see it? Do you see a caution sign when tempted to make a decision? Is a slippery sign in front of you to remind you that if you continue escalating a disagreement, you will go down a slippery slope leading to a full blown conflict? Do you see warning signs to remind you not to repeat the same mistake again? Do you see a median strip with arrows to keep you going on the same path? Some of our signs are obvious, but sometimes we run into blank signs. The information isn’t clear and we’re not sure how to proceed. What do we do then?

King David gives us an example of road signs for life. Our verse today tells us how he lived out his role-- with integrity of heart and skill. When road signs aren’t clear, we can confidently follow these two principles. We can live with honesty in our communication, motives and actions. We can manage our corner of the world, whether it’s our home, communication, the workplace, or relationships—with skill, using our knowledge effectively and competently. Isn’t it interesting that an archaic definition of skill is “to make a difference”? Our integrity and skill will make a difference to someone.

By the way, I passed the written test with 100% and my husband bought me a dozen roses. I told you I was stressed!

Reflection: The Message gives this paraphrase of Psalm 78:72. “His good heart made him a good shepherd; he guided the people wisely and well.” Think about the people you “shepherd”—the people in your life who look to you as an example. How is your “good” heart a place of wisdom and comfort for them? What skills are you offering today? How can you use them to guide others and make a difference?

Recipe from a road sign!

Last year one of my road signs took me to Kentucky, where I met Beth, a friend of my daughter Heather. Beth graciously shared this easy recipe for Macaroons. They are easy to make and delicious! I suggest that you bake them when you have a crowd who can enjoy them or you will eat the entire batch yourself. Beth has also used road signs this past year and is now in the Cleveland area where she and her husband are planting a church. Check out. http://www.orchardpathchurch.org

Macaroons

1 bag coconut

1 can condensed milk

1 tsp, vanilla

Combine all and place by teaspoon on to parchment paper. Bake at 350 until golden (about 8-10 minutes). For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the macaroons when they come out of the oven.