Wait for It...

My kids were asking about our new building the other day, things like, "How soon would it be done?" "Why will it take so long?" "Why won't it would go quicker than that?" And it got me thinking the same things...

Now, I wanted to talk to our builder and ask why it was taking so long. I mean, why can't our project happen just like on TV?

You've probably seen the program, Extreme Home Makeover. Ty and his crew "surprise" a family (who all happen to be conveniently home at the time of the crew's arrival), send them on a vacation (usually to Walt Disney World), and then proceed to plan, tear down, and build a house in an hour (okay, it's actually a week, but still...). And I'm not talking tearing down one shack to put another. I'm talking big, expensive homes, with all the trimmings of pools, landscaping, fountains, etc. And when the family returns home from their vacation they find a massive crowd and the big reveal extravaganza.

What a difference a week makes.

So, here we are 2 weeks into the project and it's not done! There are no walls, roof, carpet, anything that looks like a building. What's taking so long?

Okay, so I'm not crazy. I know that there is TV magic going on, the same way that TV chefs magically finish a perfect meal in 30 minutes. (except for Rachel Ray, who can actually do it! :) And I don't expect our building to be done in a week.

Yes, there are significant things happening each week and I'll expect to see some changes each week, but there's something good about waiting patiently, even though that's not my most treasured gifts. (in fact I'm not sure it's one of my gifts or not!) Waiting is good for us.

Waiting allows God to work in God's time.

Waiting allows us to live in to changes, to God's plans, to circumstances surrounding us.

Waiting allows the mind and heart to catch up with actions.

Waiting allows for knowledge and wisdom to be used for decision-making.

Waiting allows for more possibilities.

Impulsivity often leads to mistakes, poor choices, shoddy work, etc.

So I'm glad our building isn't done yet. We're not quite ready for the space or the ministry it will provide.

And I'm glad God makes me wait because the outcome is always better than when I charge ahead in my own time.

So whatever you are anxious for...wait for it...

...and you'll rarely be disappointed.

Peace ><>
pc

Come On...Snowing Again?

I'm torn this morning. Actually, it's more of a deep conflict within me. You see, I love snow and if it's going to be cold anyway, I'd rather have the white stuff covering the ground than the bleak look of a dry winter. A good snow cover is beautiful, it's like a winter wonderland and although it's cold, it's pleasing somehow, maybe because it's bright and clean.

There's something uplifting about snow on a winter's day. It's quiet, peaceful, blocking out a great deal of other ambient sound. It brings with it a craving for hot chocolate and crackling fireplaces, curling up in a soft chair with a good book and a day of peace and rest.

Yet it rarely happens that way.

I remember as a kid (and you probably do, too) that the snow overnight just might lead to school cancellation and a "snow day." With that, the snow clothes were gathered from the closet, extra socks, gloves, scarves were donned, sleds were carefully collected and dusted from the garage and a bunch of us would meet at the local hill on the north edge of town. It wasn't much of a hill, but it was a lot of fun. Large ruts had been made by the rains and run off of this man made hill, but that led to obstacles when covered in snow. We didn't mind the rocks and bumps either because they made for nice ramps by which we would crash and roll and laugh out loud as we climbed the hill to do it all over again.

But where did those days go?

I said I was conflicted...that's because while I love the snow, I'm also tired of it, well not the snow itself, rather the cold. I find that I'm less tolerant of the cold these days, in fact I hate it.

Okay, so I'm not supposed to hate and after 46 years in Indiana you'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I'm not. So that led me to look out the window this morning (after watching the news last night) and asking..."come on...snowing again?"

But then the sun poked through the clouds a few minutes ago, creating shadows and highlighting the big white flakes falling softly on our front yard and I was reminded that this cold and snow and winter has a purpose. That God is still working and recreating; and the process (in Northwest Indiana anyway) is a beautiful one. For that I am grateful and humbled.

So, let it snow...and where's my sled?

Peace ><>
pc