WAITING

Everywhere I look I see people waiting. Steve and I are waiting for a buyer for our house; one of our sons is waiting to hear back from an important job interview; another is waiting for their house to sell and a move after that; we are waiting for things to change at our church; our family is once again waiting for a blessed event in the birth of a child; all of our sons are waiting for the end of the semester; waiting, waiting, waiting.

Sometimes it is joyous waiting, sometimes not so joyous. Sometimes it is waiting that doesn't really affect your everyday life, other times it consumes your life. Sometimes it is waiting that will not affect you very much, other times it is waiting that will change everything.

Waiting is hard, but not being anxious is doubly hard. Most of the world around us is anxious...for something they cannot find. An unsettling feeling that things are just not what they should be, and so they wait...for something...

The Bible speaks to waiting...after all, our Lord waited many times. But, Jesus already knew what He was waiting for. I have often wondered if I would want to know what I was waiting for...I mean the answer to whatever it was I was waiting for. I think I know why God puts situations in our path that make us wait. If you are a believer, it is to make you stronger, and to have faith in what you cannot see. If you are not a believer, it is to guide you to something that will find you looking for faith.

There is alot of waiting in our family right now. I am praying that no matter what the answers are, we will grow stronger and our circle of family will be strengthened through the love and care from one to another that reaches across the miles. I am helpless to take away waiting for anyone I love. I am helpless to make sure the right answer comes. But I am not helpless to pray for peace and acceptance for whatever life throws our way. God is present. God is real. God is evident. God is the peace giver that the world is looking for...and waiting for...