 |
| …stopping to take a look around… |
declares the Lord,
to give you a future and a hope.”
Ok, it’s not that I doubt this promise of God planning good things for me in the future (“to prosper” me and “not to harm” me, says the New International Version). If there’s one thing God has given me in plenty, for which I am eternally grateful, is an undying belief in Him – I believe He is God, I believe He is good, and I believe He has great things in store for me. The problem I face is the nature of “promises” in general – they all happen in the future (sometimes what seems to be the far, far, FAR distant future).
I am not a patient person – not when it comes to the anticipation of receiving something extraordinarily good (which is usually the case when it comes to God and His gifts). I like change, I like newness, and I love the giddy feeling I get from them. But like most children who receive new gifts (whether be it their birthday, Christmas, or any other occasion that demands a new bauble or trinket to be received), once the newness wears off, my heart is off and running towards the next “new” thing. The hunger for “new” is never satisfied…and when one is never satisfied, it leaves them feeling empty and exhausted…and just not fun to be around.
The problem is, when I am always so concerned with the next step in their journey, I forget to stop and look around to see the blessings of the present. I forget that, while God may make me wait for the things I long for, He gives me what I need today to tide me over until the time for the “new” to come.
He knows me so well, shortcomings and all…and once I stop focusing all my efforts on getting everything on my “list of things Lydia wants NOW” by my own strength, He starts to turn my sights and thoughts on the things He has already given me (and continues to give me now) – rest, time with friends, opportunities to serve in ways I would otherwise not be able to. Once I see and realize this, I’m able to appreciate the season of life I’m in NOW, with all blessings that come with it, and find peace and enjoyment it all has to offer.
It’s amazing just how gracious He is, despite my lack of faith.
The evidence is everywhere…if we just stop to take a look around…
 |
| Being able to simply rest when needed |
 |
| “Spur of the Moment” outings…because we CAN! |
 |
| Shopping, shopping, and more shopping! |
 |
| Connecting, Growing, Serving |
 |
| Getting in a few more “reckless” years! |
 |
| Opportunities to spend time with friends |
So while we’re waiting for God to open the next chapter in our lives, let’s not forget to take a look around and see everything He’s blessed us with today! After all, once this season is gone, its opportunities will likely never come around again.
