Monday, February 7, 2011

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.

16 comments:

  1. We've been in a waiting pattern now for over three years. I must say God has helped me develop patiece--more than I have ever had. I know this waiting is for a good reason and can't wait until someday I can look back and understand better.

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  2. Terri - Wow! That puts things into perspective for me (waiting 45 min. for dinner v. waiting 3+ yrs. for something!). Sounds like you've certainly had lots of practice 'running the race with patience!' Thanks for your example of a good attitude! And knowing that the Lord IS up to something for your ultimate good! Have a wonderful week and God bless!:)

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  3. Waiting, waiting, waiting. Agents wait. Editors wait. Writers wait.

    God opened a door for me recently, but then I had to continue to wait. I believe he uses those times to keep our attentions focused on him.

    Wonderful post!

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  4. When I think about waiting and patience I smile and think of the joke "Dear Lord, please grant me patience, right now". Waiting and being patient are virtues I aim to cultivate.

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  5. Hi Maria,
    Happy Monday!
    I can relate and I am in that waiting phase.I know that the Lord has something wonderful in store for me!He is definately teaching me patience.
    Loved your post as always.
    Enjoy your evening.
    Blessings and hugs.

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  6. I've learned to wait a lot in my life... not something I enjoy. Hopefully I getting better at it.

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  7. I have been silently repeating that portion of Psalm 27 to myself since I was a teenager--in particular, the translation you quote above. It brings me comfort during times of waiting, usually when I'm waiting for a wound to heal with the passage of time and with reason pacifying emotion. It's true that every day "is the day which the Lord hath made," and everyday can bring lessons, trials and/or triumphs.

    Blessings.

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  8. When I was a kid, my parents were notoriously late picking me up from softball practice, ballet lessons, birthday parties, whatever I needed a ride to. But, it taught me patience. It taught me to find some peace in the moment, the situation that I cannot change, to just relax and be.

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  9. Lisa - So good to see you! And I hear you! I know it's important to stay focused on the Lord during those times of waiting, so I can be sure to hear His voice. Looking forward to hearing about your open door! Have a great week and God bless!

    Terra - Great to see you! Too often, I resemble that quote! Glad we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us cultivate patience. He gives us lots of opportunities along life's path! Have a blessed week! :)

    Linda - Hello my friend! I'm sure you're developing patience as you wait to hear about your job opportunity. Your confidence in the Lord's good plans for you is so encouraging! It's the right attitude to have! Have a wonderful week full of His blessings! Hugs!

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  10. Oh Maria, your posts are always so timely! Just the other day I was talking about waiting with a friend, while waiting for yet another traffic light... we tried to come up with something useful to do while waiting... haha, breath prayers and singing... that seemed tight to us :)

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  11. Kristen - Thanks for stopping by! Waiting definitely allows us the opportunity to develop patience! It's encouraging to think that God gives us tasks even while we wait - we just have to be willing to look for them! Have a blessed week!

    Janette - Great to see you! The verse in Psalm 27 IS very comforting - how neat that you learned it at an early age, and that it's been a blessing to you ever since! I'm reminded of another verse in Psalms that talks about the importance of hiding God's word in our hearts so we won't sin against Him. His truth is amazing! Have a beautiful week, enjoying each day that the Lord gives! :)

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  12. Judith - So good to see you! Sounds like you've been exposed to developing patience from an early age! How wonderful that you allowed it to teach you some valuable things!Thanks for sharing! Hugs and God bless!

    Marja - Great to see you! Glad this post spoke to you! It's always good for me to remember that patience (long-suffering) is a fruit of the Spirit. Yielding to the power of the Spirit allows me to grow during times of waiting. Sounds like you and your friend came up with some wonderful things to do while you waited (even at a traffic light!) God bless you my friend! Have a wonderful week!

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  13. Hi Maria -

    Hmm, think about it. Jesus waited 30 years before He launched His ministry.

    Sometimes I want to rush life. I'm finally learning to be content in this moment.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  14. Susan - Wow! What a great point! We humans do tend to want to rush things, don't we! It helps me to remember that we're on a pilgrimage here on this earth - God's the Master Potter and I need to stay pliable in His hands! You're wise to be content in each moment - godliness with contentment is great gain! God bless you, sister!

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  15. I am NOT good at waiting, but God keeps giving me more opportunities to practice, so I am getting better at it, and I'm learning to just rest in him as I wait to see how he will work things.

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  16. Great post! I'm always encouraged when I think about waiting on the Lord. His timing is perfect and I can rest in that truth.
    Blessings to you dear friend,
    Love
    Dotti :)

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