As I type we are bracing for the winds to whip up and blizzard like conditions to storm down upon us this evening. Early out for school today, leading to all after school activities being canceled. Good night to hunker down with a simmering pot roast, potatoes, and carrots that have been tantilizing me all day with its flavorful aroma. I guess you could say, I have been waiting ALL DAY. Waiting for the impending weather and waiting for the pot roast to cook. We had a great sermon yesterday, the second in our Lazarus series. It was on 'waiting', using the example of Martha and Mary having to wait for Jesus to come, 4 days after Lazarus had died. Once the sermon was introduced the congregation waited for about 5 minutes before the pastor came to deliver the message. A little one was heard from the baloncy saying, 'utt..o!'
Interesting how we live in a society that is completely driven to instant gratification. We want things immediately. We live by fast food places, we are looking for the next great fix to make us look younger and fitter, and we cram our schedules so full that planning and advance preparation usually comes down to the last minute.
The statement that grabbed me yesterday was, 'Waiting causes us to have to relinquish control. Waiting creates an in between time.' A time that many of us are not to found of.
Ever hear the saying that sometimes it is the waiting that is hard than the actual decision itself? It is the waiting for the test results to come in from a medical procedure. It is the waiting to hear about a job offer. It is the waiting to see what God has in store for our lives.
As I mentioned back in an earlier post this month, one lesson learned in 2008 was patience. I learned a valuable lesson in learning to simply wait on God's timing. Although still difficult to do, I can tell that through a year of trials, frustrations, and unanswered questions, I was able to see and hear God working in my life in some amazing ways. I believe that God was preparing me for the start of 2009, when we would be faced with many unknowns and new trials.
I have learned one thing for certain. I have learned that EVERY day is a day to live in the moment. To savor every day because THAT day has been given as a gift. I look around and see what incredible blessings are around me. I have a healthy family. I have food to prepare for meals. I have a beautiful home. I have clothes on my back. I have friends to hang out with. I have gas in my car. I have THIS day and I will treasure and be thankful for TODAYS provisions, while I simply wait on God's unveiling. And while I wait, I will dutifully continue to work with the assignments and tasks that have been given to me to fulfill, until I am directed otherwise. I will enjoy lessons and teachings learned EVERY day to aid in the growth of my personality and my character. God is most definitely NOT done with me YET!
While the pot roast is nearly complete, I am still WAITING on those blizzard like conditions. Blessings!
"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers, most of which are never even seen, don't you think he'll attend to you? And take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax. To not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."
Matthew 6: 29 - 31
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