WHILE WE WAIT

It’s been a difficult week. I spent the greater part of the week in hospital (my kids were both admitted) and the whole time I was asking myself, “is anyone else going through the same thing? How are they managing?” Deadlines were closing in on me and I knew I deserved a break; everyone around me was echoing the same sentiments. I had a few minutes to spare but taking a few minutes to work felt like I was robbing my kids of the attention and care they really needed.

Being isolated from the rest of the world forced me to focus on what I was going through, the worst ending that could come out of that situation and how much I was missing out on. Each time someone asked me, “…how are the kids doing?” I almost had the same answer, “…we are waiting for test results…” or “…we are waiting for the doctor…” I then realized that besides taking care of the kids and worrying about my situation, all I was doing was waiting. The same is true about my life outside the hospital walls. I have planted so many seeds whose fruits I am still waiting to enjoy.

In essence, we are all waiting for something in this life; the second coming of Christ, the big break, a job, marriage, children, success, you name it. We do not know how long it will take for our prayers to be answered but we do know that God is with us every step of the way. While we wait, we have a part to play.

This reminds me of the story in Jeremiah 29. God assured the Israelites that He had a plan for them; they were going to be delivered out of bondage, but they had to wait for 70 years. In that moment, what was more important was what they were going to do while waiting. God instructed them to build houses, plant gardens, build businesses, you name it. Abraham and Sarah’s prayer was answered in God’s time; they waited for over 90 years to receive their promised child. While they waited, they dedicated themselves to live a life of ministry and built their lives the way God told them to.

So, I made a promise to myself; while I wait for my kids to get better, my big break, my dream and Christ’s second coming, I will keep working on myself and making sure I encourage others to do the same. I pulled out my notebook and started writing again. Those few minutes I could spare were enough to change my narrative. Somewhere between my daily responsibilities and the kids’ napping, I found time to work on myself too and meet my deadlines. The hospital bed was not a limitation, it was just another hurdle in my way and God strengthened me. When it got overwhelming, I asked God to renew my strength.

God has promised us that if we wait upon Him, He will renew our strength. We are in safe hands and we will be ok.