I heard the word “potholes”.

A pothole is:
a depression or hollow in a road surface caused by wear or sinking. (and they can be of various degrees …some small, some crater size - see google images).

In the natural we usually want to avoid potholes. They might cause damage, hurt or loss depending on how extensive they are.

For example, with road repair:

• Voids with dimensions of 40-50mm in depth and 300mm in any direction should be considered a Cat 1 defect with a “24-hour response”.

• Voids greater than 50mm in depth and greater than 300mm in any direction should be considered a Cat 1 defect with “emergency response and requires immediate attention.”

Isaiah 40:3-5 AMPC
3 A voice of one who cries: Prepare in the wilderness the way of the Lord [clear away the obstacles]; make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God!
4 Every valley shall be lifted and filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked and uneven shall be made straight and level, and the rough places a plain.
5 And the glory (majesty and splendor) of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

As pray -ers, as intercessors, we do not avoid these “relational potholes “ - we pray that they will be filled, levelled up, and smooth.

Proverbs 24:3,4 AMPC
3 Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation],
4 And by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

It takes skillful and Godly wisdom, as well as understanding to build solid and good foundations in our family relationships.