While I'm Waiting

We waited in traffic. And as we eased our way into the restaurant parking lot, we realized we would have to wait awhile longer before we'd be seated. The lobby was crowded to capacity. With pager in hand, we retreated to a small space meant to corral highchairs. The four by eight foot area was plenty big enough and gave us a bit of breathing room away from the crowd. A healthy 45-minute wait stood between us and dinner.

Waiters and waitresses passed by, trays laden with mouth-watering appetizers, entrees and desserts. Baskets of biscuits and fresh salads tantalized us as we settled down to wait. One compassionate waiter praised us for choosing such a clever spot, and offered to bring us some water while we continued to monitor our pager. What a guy! The water was a welcome distraction for our rumbling stomachs.

Finally, the pager lit up and began vibrating. Our table was ready! We stepped out of our waiting area and wove our way through the throng of people. A hostess seated us at a cozy table for two. It was our turn to enjoy a delicious meal. A much-anticipated dinner finally became a reality. And the wait made it memorable!

Life is full of waiting. I remember anxiously awaiting my graduation from high school, only to realize that I had four more years of college to get through. With college diploma in hand, I eagerly waited for the perfect job offer. Then I could hardly wait to get married. And nine months gave us lots of time to wait before our baby girl was born.

It's important to look forward to the future, but just as important to savor each moment. Moses, the servant of God, put it this way, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," (Psalm 90:12; KJV). Realize each day is a gift from God. In the midst of anticipating my future, I need to be mindful that, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it," (Psalm 118:24). Each day brings fresh opportunities to serve others and point them to a loving God. I think about the waiter who so graciously offered to bring us water. He was busy waiting on other guests, yet he noticed us and took the time to serve us, making our time more enjoyable.

Waiting. Something I'm not good at. But necessary to help me develop patience and a servant-attitude. David, a man after God's own heart, penned these encouraging words, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord," (Psalm 27:14). Today, I choose to serve my Savior by using times of waiting as opportunities to reach out to others who need to know Him!

Are you faced with a time of waiting? Do you see the value in it? Will you choose to enjoy each day, knowing that God desires to use you to reach others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for times of waiting in my life. Forgive me when I rush through life, not fully appreciating each moment You give me. Thank You for the opportunity to serve You! Help my eyes to be open to those You'd have me serve while I'm waiting. In Jesus' name, Amen.