We wait. In lines. In traffic. At appointments.

We wait. For test results. For seasons to change. For sun. For rain.

We wait. For the pregnancy test to say “YES”. For the time to be right to pop the question. To buy the house. To sell the house. To change jobs.

Life is full of opportunity to wait. This morning I woke up with waiting on my mind. As I walked, I talked to Father. I told him I was waiting. Waiting for Emily’s baby to come. Waiting to know what courageous thing he wants me to do. Waiting… and I jabbered on and on.

You know that moment when you are talking to someone and you realize she has gone really quiet and is just looking at you in that particular way that says you have said enough words and now you need to stop talking? Well, I had that moment. I realized (I don’t know exactly how) that Father was waiting too. Waiting for me to be quiet. Waiting for me to listen.

I said (and I was talking out loud), “Have you stopped listening? Oh wait. You want me to be quiet, don’t you. You want me to listen. You have something to say. Oh my!” And so, I stopped talking. And started listening.

I was on a quiet country road. One that, at this particular time of day, has little traffic. And I listened. I heard my feet hitting the pavement with each step. And I heard him say, “I’m leading you step-by-step. Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”

I continued walking, absorbing what that means, and I felt him beside me, walking with his arm across my shoulders. And I considered what that means. And I thought of you, my readers, who need his presence so desperately. And I heard him say, “I have them too. I haven’t forgotten.”

We aren’t the only creatures who wait. Read: Isaiah 30:18. But in case you don’t take the time to click on the link, I need you to hear this. It is so important!

“So the Lord must wait for you to come to him
so he can show you his love and compassion.
For the Lord is a faithful God.
Blessed are those who wait for his help.”

Isaiah 30:18

You see, I was waiting, waiting, waiting. And while I waited, I talked. I may even have fumed a bit, maybe ranted, going on and on. Talking through solutions and possibilities and various scenarios. I needed help, I wanted help.

It brings my granddaughter to mind. There are times when she tries something that is beyond her ability to accomplish. Like moving a chair or carrying a serving bowl or putting on her shoes. And she fusses and fumes and struggles. And then she looks at her dad like he has somehow failed her because he isn’t helping. And he calmly says, “You just need to ask for help.” And she says, “I need help.”

You see, if he tried to help before she asked, he would have been pushed away with a stern, “I do it myself.” He wanted to help. He was there to help. He waited to help. But she needed to ask him, to acknowledge the task was beyond her capabilities. And then he could move in because his heart toward her is love and compassion.

We are all waiting for something. And that is just a part of life. But is there anything that needs the intervention of a father? Because Father is waiting to help and his heart toward you is love and compassion. He is a faithful God, ready to undertake for you. He has not forgotten you!

Until next time…

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24-26