Waiting for...

Waiting can manifest in various forms such as waiting for the sun to rise, waiting for a grade on a reasearch paper, waiting for a phone call from a signifcant other. Waiting is something that I have learned tremendously about this summer.

Before understanding all about this abstract concept of "waiting", at times completely foreign to me, I'd frequently analyze situations. Instances at school, work, or with friends would provoke me to think about these scenarios and ask the infinte "What if'" questions. Thus, I would incessantly dwell on minute things allowing uncertainty, doubt, fear of the future, anxiety, and a complete sense of nervousness to creep in unnannounced.

Learning to "lock" that door would follow.

Soon, I merged into the sea of waiting. There, I found other people who were waiting, like me, and realized that after all these preconceived notions rooted in doubt that fizzed around in my head like a soda can that has been shaken up, were truly fairy tales. None of which came true.

From my experience, waiting is like riding a bicycle. A child, for example, may fall off numerous times while learning but will always try again. Such was my experience at trying new things or exercising a talent that I wanted to put into fruition.

So, what's God's purpose for having you wait?

Where Has the Time Gone?

As I was cleaning out my closet today, I came across several "old" artifacts. Well, "old" in the sense that they are unique to my life. I recalled high school memories in old emails with friends, half - completed math problems in penciled notebooks, and an old picture of a weekend retreat with smiling, carefree teenagers staring back at me. As I held this picture in my hands, the following question crossed my mind:

where has the time gone?

It is true that I am very happy with this new chapter in my life. I'm grateful to all those who I have met and new experiences that help to further shape my character. But, I can't help recalling the past and assuming how easy life seemed. Or rather, was I not fully aware of how quickly life captures you in its wings? Or how easy it is to get innocently swept up in the minute details, the small infractures, the careless items of a world that constantly craves more?

Yet at the end of the day, it's simply the memories that last with a spoonful of lessons comprised in a mixture of future hope.

It turns out that cleaning just might be the best medicine.

Thoughts from afar

The psalms speak quite extensively about God's relationship with his creation and the promises that he willingly provides without question.

such as:

God will always be with us regardless of hardship, joy, impatience, passiveness, optimism;
He doesn't choose when to be available, he just is.
Unlike our days and friends which change with each passing hour, God remains the same; in that, he is forever loving, compassionate, and all - knowing.

This concept took me a long time to understand, and, I must admit that sometimes a sea of doubt creeps in. It usually catches me by surprise and I act based upon my present feelings that, yes, are ever-changing. It's when I experiencethe pessimism slowing invading my life, that God works.

Well, he's been working throughout the situation. It's only now that I've noticed his presence as my focus shifts from the impending chaotic catastrophe that I have created in my head, to God's daily reminders and lasting promises:

-he will always be with me
-never leaving nor forsaking me
-he has plans to give me a hope and a future
-he delights in praises unto his name
-

From personal experience, I have discovered these things. That God smiles down on us when we offer a small dose of kindness, whether a "how are you today?" at the grocery store, a "thank you" at the gas station, or a simple note to a friend to remind them that you care. An act that seems quite simple to us may have a profound impact on another person. I invite you to open your heart and your mind to a new way of looking at daily life through the eyes of Jesus.