“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry…

…He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:1-4


One night after baseball and gymnastics practice, Steve and the kids were making their way home. It was late, almost 9 o’clock and everyone was tired. Unfortunately, an accident had shut down the highway and all the side roads were already at a standstill. They had no choice but to wait. Steve was texting me to see if I knew any of the details. I did, but what I could share wasn’t helpful because with where he was on the highway, he had no other options.

After 45 minutes, he called. Since I was traveling, he was giving me the opportunity to say goodnight to the kids. Well, our son was asleep already, but our daughter shared with me that she had spent the time doing her homework. After another 20 minutes or so, they finally broke free and made their way home.

As I was getting ready for bed that night, I kept thinking that there was a lesson in that incident. I was proud of Abby’s wise use of her time, and although he didn’t say much about it, I knew it was frustrating for Steve. Waiting is hard, but when you’re tired, worn out or feel like it’s not a wait, but a brick wall, it can be difficult.

More and more, I thought about the concept of waiting. What does that mean? When we pour out to God our dreams and desires and hear nothing for a while, sometimes doubts begin to creep in and the enemy starts to wreak havoc in our hearts. Maybe the waiting is in a personal issue we’re facing – troubles financially, relationship challenges, physical illness. When we don’t have the answers we seek, or there seems to be no response from our Lord, it can be an unsettling time.

Which is where trust comes in.

Oh boy, does this speak into my heart and convict me. I am not a patient waiter. My natural inclination is to fix it, make something happen, or get a response in my own doing. But, when I can just get over myself, get out of my way and trust in Jesus, things always work out in His perfect timing.

When I first started thinking about the lesson on the highway with my family, I though surely, God is speaking to Steve through this. Silly me. God had a word or two for Miss I-don’t-like-to-wait-thank-you-very-much.

Strongly reinforcing my need to fully trust Him was one. Being patient and productive with what He has entrusted me with today is another. How fruitful is what I am trusted with today, even when there are things down the road that I am hoping for? If I take an honest look, I can do better, a lot better. Cultivating now, sowing the seeds that He’s planted in my life and being open to the little things that can have incredible impacts. Those are the things He wants me focused on today.

When I thought again about the reactions of my family, I remembered Abby’s response. She was productive with what was in front of her and when the wait was over, she moved on. Well done, peanut.