May 16, 2011

Waiting: Part II - While We Wait

We trust that God is working behind the scenes, but not seeing how things are changing can be maddening. Being stuck in the same ol' grind day after day can feel like the effects of a misinterpretation of God's plan for our lives. While we're waiting for whatever thing we are anxiously anticipating, we must continue to work regardless of our lack of motivation or energy. Waiting can be debilitating, which is why I believe it to be a way in which God tests us. It is easy to overlook the seemingly small details in our lives (cooking, cleaning, reading, socializing, being kind and respectful...), because we feel like we're waiting for something better to come along, or that yes, those things must be done but who cares if their done perfectly (or joyfully, for that matter).

When you find yourself stuck in a mental rut, the answer is always "do the next thing".  Sloppiness and slothfulness are never options because everything that needs to be done is vitally important, and it is in doing these things with a joyful and trusting heart that God rewards us with answers, patience, and more joy. We work with all we have, and God gives us immeasurably more.

And lastly, those small things we feel like putting off are really the things life is made up of. And if we did have a perfect perspective, we would see that it is doing those things, as working for God and not for men (Col 3:23, Eph 6:7), that we reap our eternal reward.

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." Genesis 2:15