Waiting.

It’s something that all of us have to do at some point in our lives.

Sometimes it’s waiting on a difficult diagnosis. Other times it is waiting for a loved one to return home. And still others it is waiting for an answer that may never come.

Throughout history, God’s people have often had to wait. (Remember the forty years in the desert?) Much to the disquiet of some, God rarely gives quick fixes for much of anything. However, God’s promise was never that God was going to make everything better right now. Now now.

God’s promise is that God will be present. God will give us the strength to face what we must. God is in this for the long game and though we will always receive momentary respite (whether a laugh, a hug, or a helpful stranger), we may not see the results we think we want right away.

Part of the reason for this is that God wants us to actively wait.

Yes, sometimes we do need to wallow for a bit. However, the rest of the time spent waiting is an opportunity to do something. To look for others who are hurting that we might aid. To see the people who are often unseen and unthanked. To open our hearts for a broken world that needs more love in it.

Our world is waiting right now. It’s not easy. It’s incredibly frustrating. And yet, look at all the opportunities we have now to look and see the world through new eyes. Think of all the ways we have been opening our hearts to one another. That is God giving us a wondrous variety of chances to make a difference, even on the days we feel ready to give up.

So, don’t give up. You are not alone. You are loved. You can do this.