Hurry up and wait

I remember when I was growing up. Waiting and patience were not my strong points. Still aren't really. I remember the intense anticipation leading up to Christmas or a special event. I wanted time to fly so I could finally enjoy whatever it was that I was waiting on. I couldn't wait to open my presents. Mom and Dad would say, "don't wish your life away son." I would just shrug it off and say, "I'm not" but the fact of the matter was, that's exactly what I was doing. Now that I'm an adult (most of the time anyway) I have realized on numerous occasions that I am still the impatient anxious little boy I have always been. The only difference is that now, I am able to learn something along the way. As a child, I was only focused on the event I was waiting for. I didn't look around to see what little lessons I could learn while I was waiting. I don't think a child should be. That's part of the beauty of being a child. The innocence. Let mom and dad worry about the big stuff. I'm only going to think about the fun that life brings my way. If only we could get to that point as adults. Why is it so hard for us to not get so consumed with what lies around the bend? Why cant we let our father, Jesus, sweat the big stuff, and we just think about the fun of the journey? Why cant we get centered on the lessons that "waiting" can teach us. Matthew 11:30 says, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Philippians 4:6 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known before God." If you'll read those verses carefully, they are saying to give all of your cares to the Lord. He will "sweat the big stuff" so we can enjoy the ride. Its not easy. Believe me, I am not going to sit here and tell you it is. Its one of the hardest things in the world to do. I've been waiting for the Lord to send me a job for 5 1/2 months now. Its been a little hard to "enjoy the ride". More than once I have found myself questioning God, "how long Lord?", but then he gently reminds me to "be careful for nothing" and just wait on Him. Waiting is hard to do. I know that. You cant wait to go to bed at night so you don't have to think about it but then you cant wait to get the day started because today may be the day that God is going to let you open your presents. My dearest brothers and sisters, if we can just learn to wait patiently and try to learn what God is teaching us along the way, we will be much better off. It doesn't come naturally to say, "okay God, take your time, I'm good." This is where we must pray for the spirit of God to strengthen us and give us grace for the moment. If we do this then we can praise the Lord in the midst of the storm. Waiting wont be so hard then. You may have moments of weakness where you just want the day to come but you will be able to put those anxious feelings aside and say, "what do I need to learn while I'm waiting today Lord?" I promise you, it may not seem like anything is happening but you will realize at some point that you are a lot stronger now than you were before you were waiting. Watch the video and listen to the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. Its on my YouTube video box. This sums up what I'm saying and how I'm feeling today. "I don't want to wait anymore Lord, but I will. While I am waiting, please teach me how to me more like you." This is my prayer and I hope its yours too. Have a patient and blessed day.

LW