Remember the presents under the tree when you were a kid?  All the beautiful wrapping paper and bows nestled under the sweet pine scented tree? Sitting and staring for hours from the couch wondering what each bright package held.  The waiting was almost unbearable.  So many days left until Christmas.  You thought you would die.

And then you just couldn’t stand it any more.  While mom and dad were in the other room, you went over and began carefully pulling at the tape that held the wrappings in place.  Just a peek was all you wanted.

Before you knew it, you’d discovered what every present was under the tree.  Everything you’d wanted and more!  You could hardly contain your joy.  But the joy was quickly replaced by guilt when you heard mom and dad coming.  You quickly put everything back as you’d found it.

As Christmas drew closer, you realized that you now had nothing to look forward to.  The anticipation and wonder was gone.  And you realize that the waiting was, itself, a good thing.  A time to look forward to the feverish unwrapping and squealing with surprised delight.

The presents would still be there when the waiting was over.  The prize was in the waiting.

With all of the waiting that I’ve been doing lately with Mark’s new job and our soon-to-be moving day, I’ve learned to SAVOR the waiting.  To trust that even though I don’t know exactly what is ahead or how it will turn out or the timing, something WILL happen.  I’m learning to not try to run ahead or wish time away.  Every moment in the process can be an important learning experience, an aha moment even, if I allow it to be.

Waiting (limbo) used to drive me absolutely crazy.  I hated not knowing.  But I feel like I’ve turned a corner lately in that area.  I’ve learned to watch and focus on the “now”, still eagerly anticipating the next step but not rushing it.  Allowing it to happen in God’s timing and not trying to manipulate things to fit my schedule and plan.

Now I can look at those beautiful presents under the tree, the future and all it holds, and just enjoy the view of wondering contentedly until the day when God says, “Now!” and I can rip open the package, whatever it may be.

And He will be standing right there next to me, smiling, and say, “See?  Wasn’t that worth the wait?”

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written was given to us for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.

1 John 5:14-15 And this is our confidence, that if we pray according to His will, He will hear us, and give us what we ask for, because our desires are in agreement with His thoughts for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”