But this year, I’m excited about the waiting. I’m eager for this period of waiting to begin. Eager to wait…almost seems like an oxymoron. I’m eager for the joyful expectancy of the birth of my Savior. I’m eager for a period of reflection, worship and prayer. I’m eager to wait.
This year I have purposefully said “no” to a myriad of events that usually crowd our December calendar. Yes, we still have many exciting times coming in December, but several things I’ve said no to for good reason. And that good reason…to wait. To slow down. To remember the reason for the season.
When my calendar becomes too full, I don’t have time to worship. When my calendar becomes to full, I don’t take the time to pray that I so desperately need. When my calendar is too full I have to say “no” to serving others when I really wish I could do it. But, how is that being a servant or helping anyone else if I only “want” to help but am so busy that I cannot do so?
When my calendar is too full, I don’t have time to enjoy the many gifts and blessings that God has given me…the beautiful colors…the laughter of my children…the sweet whispers through His Word…the smile of a stranger.
I believe this is what it means to “wait on the Lord.” Waiting with Him. Waiting for Him. The beauty of waiting is that when I am focusing on Him, my heart becomes transformed…in the waiting, He is making me more like Him. A true miracle.
The miracle of Advent…Emmanuel, God with us.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in His word I put my hope.
Psalm 130:6
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Yet the Lord long to be gracious to you;
He rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for Him!
Isaiah 30:18
But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
…we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing
of our great God and Savior,
Jesus Christ.
Titus 2:13
(repost from 2009)
Thank you for sharing Candace–I’ve made a similar decision, trying to cut out as many of the extras as possible, because not only are we awaiting the birth of a Savior, but also awaiting the birth of our own little one. Looking forward to a reflective and slowed down December this year.
Good for you. Saying no can be difficult for me but I too have learned (after a 6 month period last year of depression) to say no. To know my limits and my boundries and to know that I shouldn’t have any expectations of what others will think if I say no.
I pray that in the waiting you will draw yourself further up into His lap and let the presensce of the Almighty God refresh and bring new revelation to you.
Blessings,
Theresa
Thanks for sharing. It’s a good reminder to eagerly wait on the Lord.