Waiting is difficult as I have
mentioned before. When we moved into our new home four years ago we
planted our garden and couldn't wait for everything to start to
grow! We looked forward to the trees we will have in our garden and
all the shade it would provide. Day after day we would go out and
look at the progress it has made. But now after four years, we have
some shade and our garden is starting to settle, but we are still
waiting for our big trees! And then I realized that nature wants to
tell us something.
First of all, even if we don't see
it, the roots are forming and firmly placing it in our ground in
order to be able to handle the weight of the big tree that will
later come. The roots need to be well grounded in order to weather
storms and rain that will come. So even if we do not see the
results now, there are things happening even if it looks as if
everything is standing still. And so it is with you, while you are
waiting, God is working in you to prepare you for the future.
Second of all, each season of the
garden is needed and each season will pass. The winter is needed as
a resting period and the summer as a period of growth. Each of them
is necessary. So do not wish away the season that your life is at
the moment, embrace it and use it to its fullest potential. If you
are in a period of rest, rest, and if you are in a period of growth
use it to the best of your ability.
Third of all, plant your hope in
the possibilities of the future. I am confident that if there is
not a natural disaster (which is highly unlikely where I live),
that our trees will grow and they will become big lovely trees.
They will provide shade for us and also be an area of enjoyment. I
look forward to the future and the possibilities of it. And so you
must do in your own life. Look forward to what is waiting for you.
Live with an expectant heart that the Lord is now preparing you for
what lies ahead.
In the fourth place, even if the
garden is not where I would like it to be, I am grateful that it is
not where it used to be! It is constantly growing and when we look
back at photos we are surprised at the actual growth that took
place. Therefore do not focus only on where you want to be, but
also look at where you came from and how the Lord helped you to
grow to the specific place where you are now and thank Him for
it.
And last of all, as I said the
garden is not where I would like it to be, but it is beautiful
nonetheless. We need to live in the moment and enjoy it for what it
is. Maybe I am not here in 10 years' time when the trees have grown
big, maybe we move in the mean time and all the years we didn't
enjoy the garden as it was. Live in the moment, in the here and
now. The present is the best time you have. Even if you are in a
waiting season, embrace it for what it is. You are growing towards
something and that is very exciting. Thank God for it and spend as
much time as you can now with Him.
He is longing for you company!
Thank you Lord for the waiting
season in our lives. We know it is a time of growth and we look
forward to growing with You. Amen