10 days ago I was delayed and detoured on the Warrego Highway (between Toowoomba & Gatton, Queensland) as council workers desperately filled potholes that reduced traffic speeds from 100kph to a frustratingly slow 60kph.
Previous weeks of heavy rains had taken their toll on the roads. Trucks pounded the soft spots and bitumen broke up as each vehicle tyre pulverized and widened small holes – potholes!
No sooner a section is complete, another pothole materialises where the work began. And yet the work crew pushes on and the cycle of monotonous filling and fixing rolls on day after day.
Then a massive storm hits and floods cleanly sweep away the whole bitumen surface, fixed potholes and all, and sends it downsteam to blend with debris.
All that remains are washouts or soggy, muddied strips of rippled rutted track fit for goats.
Why bother?
Because they care? Maybe. But I believe it is because if we didn’t look after the little things, how could we look after the big things?
‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
Luke 19:17 TNIV
When the floods came and ripped up the place, this workforce was ready, well trained and was able to respond. Each team of workers fixed and opened vital road links… and allowed supplies to get through to the devastated communities.
They were never just filling potholes. They were ensuring roads for supply, travel and confidence.
Never underestimate the small and menial tasks you do day by day. Each one is preparing you… and you may never know for what or when until it hits you like a flood.
[Posted via my mobile phone]