roadblock

road·block

noun an obstruction in a road; something that blocks progress or prevents accomplishment of an objective; any hindrance 

Yesterday as I was biking back from campus, I had to stop at Fremont Bridge as the bridge was up to let boats through. As I stood there, I thought about the roadblocks that have been in your path up to this point and the ones you are facing on this very day, and I simply prayed for you all to have patience as you are held up at these obstructions along the way. 

I looked over and saw these pedestrians waiting for the bridge to come back down, and they seemed so content to stop and enjoy the break and the vista. On the other hand, there were people around me checking their watches and just wanting to get on with their commute.  This was a reminder of what I am hoping and praying for you that you can take these delays as things that will be opportunities for taking a deep breath and counting the gifts before you.