I don't wait well. But for some reason, God thinks I must learn that skill.
Most of you know, I've been waiting a few years to have a home again I can call my own. Stay tuned because it's happening. But I must wait for it--maybe a few more months or longer. During this time I'm learning how to build walls, mix mud for block and stack lumber. Soon I'll be insulating, painting and picking out doors and windows.
I've been waiting on my writing to take off too. How many years has it been? Hmm, at last count eight maybe? I wait for queries to be answered, for partials to be requested and fulls to be rejected. I wait for that email or call that all writers wait for: the one that says yes. During this time, I'm going to conferences, writing new books, and sending out non-fiction to make a few dollars.
I don't wait well.
But I'm learning God has perfect timing.
When we had to sell our Florida house, I asked God to please let me live someplace just as nice.Someday. Two years later He has given me land with an awesome view and a house that has features better than my old house. But I must wait and work hard for it.
When I turned to writing and decided I would write an awesome novel, God instead let me be published in anthologies and magazines. First. I had to learn how to write. And edit. And accept rejections. Lots of them. So many that when I did start sending queries, I wasn't crushed for too long.
And so I wait.
But in the meantime, I try not to waste today, so that someday, when God surprises me again and the wait is over, I will appreciate it so much more.
Have you been surprised by God for something you've been waiting for lately?
12 comments:
I'm still waiting! (writing-wise, anyway). I did have to wait 5 months to find and move into my present house, though. And it's the best, worth waiting for. :)
I'm so happy you're getting your house soon! Can't wait to see pictures, too, I hope you post some.
Yes, writing has been a huge waiting game for me. I was thinking the other day about the first query letters I ever sent out. I was 19. Of course I wasn't ready for publication, but I've been striving for that dream for so long. That was fourteen years ago. This year, writing a new genre, I was surprised with interest from agents and finally a contract. I learned a lot about patience and waiting during that time and it's easier now to be patient for that next step and know that even though it's difficult to wait sometimes, good things are still happening in the meantime.
I miss you, friend!
Ah, the lessons learned in the waiting ...
Thank you for sharing yours, Terri.
And thank you for sharing the dreams-coming-true moments too.
A timely post for me to read today, Terri. I realized just the other day how impatient I've become and how I'm doing myself a disservice by not appreciating every moment God gives me instead if anticipating what's ahead. Thank you for confirming that slowing down and living each moment to its fullest is the better way. Still though, your entitled to enjoying the anticipation of seeing your new home come together! I'm thrilled for you!
Oh definitely, Terri, I've been surprised by God many, many times in my life.
This front entry Colonial house we live in was one of those surprises. I used to dream of living in such a house, complete with fireplace. He made it all happen, just as He's doing for you!
Praise Him! Susan
Seems like we are always waiting for something, aren't we? But I agree with you; it always has a reason and the perfect timing. :)
life is all about patience and not losing hope...
I waited for years to go to Nicaragua on a mission trip. I didn't have enough money to go. Two years ago my coworker left her cashier position. My boss asked me if I wanted to work on Monday as well as other 3 days I usually work. I'd been thinking about how I was gonna pick up more work hours somewhere that next year. Well, God answered prayers! I saved money and this spring I went to Nicaragua with 4 other people. It was a blessed time. Grew in my faith and watched God work! I have blogged about is so you can follow the story!
http://grandmabeckyl.blogspot.com
Yes Terri, God is always teaching us lessons. He is teaching me patience which is not a virtue I posses. And he is also surprising me ever so often.
Hi Terri, what an astute question! And I can say that yes, with a resounding shout, my husband and I have recently been surprised by God for something we've been waiting for--so patiently in fact that we didn't even realize it was waiting until the thing ended. And then it was like a huge burden lifted and we are so very excited for the change at hand, not to mention extremely grateful to God for knowing our hearts and granting us the desire of our hearts.
Really lovely post. It's funny all the lessons in patience we're given although I don't know anyone who seriously prays for it. :-)
I get to teach writing and only writing to fifth graders this year. It's a step toward a dream, not the leap I've hoped for, but a step I can find joy in.
Yes! This! It seems like a lesson I have to learn over and over again. When things happen, it's in the Lord's time not mine. Doesn't mean I stop working, but it also doesn't mean I get angry when things don't go my way. Beautiful post!
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