Waiting

Today I contemplate waiting. I spend enough time doing this. Waiting at the doctors, waiting at the deli counter, waiting on my children to be ready to go and waiting for an answer to something that I am questioning or struggling with. Looking outside, I am waiting for nicer weather, sunshine and warmth. Whatever the wait is for it is sometimes difficult. I am pretty good at waiting at the doctors as long as I have a good book to read to occupy my time. This helps me to cope. Spring is coming I know because it is a sure thing in the cycle of the seasons.

I can learn some truths from each of these. First, you must find a way to occupy yourself when you have no choice but to wait. Second given time like Spring things will happen. Waiting on my children especially my youngest these days produces a good deal of impatience on my part especially when she is making everyone in the family wait. Patience is a must here. I am waiting on her to grow so that she will become less self centered and more motivated to work within the family unit. Hopefully this is like the seasons and will come in time when this season of the teens passes. I remind myself that not so long ago it was her sister who was always the last out of the door. So during this time, I try to be patient while at the same time I try to motivate and inspire change. Although I may have some influence, ultimately she has a degree of control over this and I am not completely in control. This has been a lesson that my children have been teaching me for years since way back even before potty training.

So what about those things in life that I am struggling with and for which there seems to be no easy and quick answer? Or what about when something has gone wrong and I am waiting for things to be made right? My faith tells me to pray. When I calm myself and take the time to do this I am comforted and feel a sense of peace. To get to this place I must allow myself to trust that God is in control, God will show me the way and God will make things right according to his will. This morning as I was reading the daily readings I read Psalm 145:14-15 which says,

"The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work. The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season."

So as I wait, it may help to be reminded of these words that if I am to be faithful I must believe. God knows my needs and has the answers; it is up to me to trust in this and to persevere knowing that I must and can trust all things to his care.