While I'm Waiting

The first thought that awakened me was the realization that I had overslept. There was no recollection of the sound of my alarm. “Mama? I’m hungry,” were the first sounds that rang in my ears, proof that I was not off to a good start in my day. The longing of Thursday soon overwhelmed me before I could even open my eyes for this was the day my husband would return from his training 2200 miles away from home.

Another not-so-easy day of waiting…for Thursday.

Random thoughts suddenly shower my mind daily. Memories. Longings…of my family…my home church…the Tuesday night meetings at Starbucks with my dear friend every two weeks. Sure, there’s a mall here but I miss Oxmore Mall…the way the sun shown in my daughter’s cowslip, yellow room each evening…my husband’s favorite date night restaurant, Famous Dave’s. I miss the children’s backyard swing set given to them as a birthday present.

Another month of painful waiting…to return to “My Old Kentucky Home”.

And then there is yet another event, one I can only dream of and wait in hopes it will happen soon.

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.

They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,

for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:3-4

Another year of hopeful waiting…to be present with our Heavenly Father!

We all are waiting…for something…to go home…a new job…adoption paperwork to clear…a deployed family member to return home. Waiting to have a baby…someone to marry…a place to move…for our current circumstances to change. Waiting for a house offer to be accepted…a health report…a child to find healing. Or waiting to reach that significant age where you can drive or vote…to graduate. Perhaps you’re waiting for your prayers to be answered for that special someone for whom you have prayed for years. You may even be waiting for a loved one to be released from this life for you know that death is not the worse thing to happen.

Still…we wait.

However, in our waiting, we mustn’t stay still…we must be on the move! We have work to be done, obedience to fulfill, hearts to serve and a mighty God to worship! Sometimes, it’s only after our waiting that we receive some of God’s most precious blessings.

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock,

and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 40:1-4

So wait, my friend, on our precious God. But in the meantime, keep on moving ahead, bold and confident, serving and in worship!