Even if it is to be, what end do you serve by running to meet distress? -Seneca

It is our nature to want whatever is possible, and desire the things that may be incredibly difficult to hold. We write down resolutions as if what was is something to resolve against, we take heart postures to find better outcomes, and we start with an open mind because we think an open mind is better than a closed one. Sounds legitimate to me. The thing about wanting and desiring, however is that there will certainly be a distance to drive, a price to pay, and energy spent to attain our beloved goal.

The distance between point A and point B is something to admire.

Our lives are left bare. We find out so many decencies and even obscenities on this journey from kick off to touchdown. We face people who tell us that our ideas are absurd. We go through financial risk. We see heartbreak. So many things accompany us on our adventure and most of them are titled uncertainty. But, I think obstacles such as these aren't actually as devastating to people as we may think. When bumps come in our road, we somehow always find our way over them or around. Giving credit where credit is due, these challenges do surprise us and take their toll on us but they never throw us off of our trail completely. In the midst of our traveling to our goal, I believe that there is something else that invokes fear more than anything else. No one has ever been able to nail down this sojourner on our trail. Maybe you have been acquainted with waiting.

The word wait means to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens. This definition tells us that our wait is a time in our journey where we sit and do not act until our goal arrives. I've heard too many times that it is about waiting and the process rather than reaching our destination. Waiting is in everything we do and it's something we cannot escape. Somehow, there is a huge purpose in our waiting. If it is sitting on our trail that we are doing, than we better be spending our time accurately.

The waiting period is not about erasing; it's about embracing.

And it's not about embracing an idea, or a concept that can seamlessly pull us through the toiling moments. The waiting period is undoubtedly about embracing the Father. Waiting is not a game. It has been called many names, but a game should not be associated with its purpose. We all know waiting is not a game that we would want to play, but it occurs nonetheless. And like a swirling wind it pulls us into its center. I think we should look at the waiting period of our lives from the perspective of the One who sees all and is perfectly patient. For seeing it as the one within, simply brings frustration and hopelessness.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

Do we honestly believe that He will make our paths straight? And if we do, do we trust that He will be with us as we walk along the path that He has created? He set the stars in the sky, the trees in the soil, and you on a path. No matter your point of interest, His will always be with you. He isn't more interested in where you will end up. He's not more concerned about your future. He makes your path so that He can be the one that's by your side as you walk along every road of your life.

If we get caught up in the waiting period, we miss being caught up in His eyes. There's nothing more beautiful and more promising than falling in trust with the One who sculpted your path. We try to fill waiting with discovery and joy and hope, all the while missing the One who is discovery, who is joy, and who is hope. Don't get me wrong, I want to be thrilled about my waiting period (as if it secretly it wasn't one at all) but that's foolishness. Being true to myself, I must simply cling to the only One who is secure. An idea will never hold me when I'm shaking in fear about my next step. A word of truth will fall short at the fulfillment of His presence. The love of friends will no come close to the love that He desires to wrap His children in as He comforts the depths of you.

When taking in the waiting period, I like to see it as a window. This one is cold and has frost around the edges. It has a white windowpane from your view and through your window is the world. But, besides the world, God the Father's face is through the glass. He's lovingly peering at you. His eyes are piercing with promise and faith... How close He is, however that's up to you.

If you want to see the world and try to discover it through your eyes and understanding, you are welcomed though limited. But, I will tell you, that there is no better tour guide than the One who created all you desire to experience, with breath alone.

Waiting is a time to be in love with your Creator. Don't miss the true love of your life when relying on your own understanding in the midst of your experience. Seek His face over well-thought-out ideas. The funny thing is, our goal, point B, promised land, destination... is all wrapped up in Him anyways.