Waiting prayerfully

Acts 1 : 12 - 14

Today is the Sunday before Pentecost next week. The reading reminds us about "waiting" for the Lord. In that particular instance, for the special gift of the Spirit. Nowadays, the "waiting" may be for many other things we longingly ask the Lord to grant or clarify.

My dog teaches me about waiting. She is good at waiting. At times, I find her patiently sitting at my feet under the dining table waiting for some morsel to come her way. A gentle reminder perhaps by nudging my leg. But usually just patiently waiting. Trusting that I am aware of her needs (or wants!) and full of hope. Actually much in the natural world reminds us about the need to wait. Seasons, the animal and plant cycles......cannot be rushed. My dog's patience highlights my less than patient stance. I am likely to grow impatient and try out my own way at getting the things I want. Sometimes this works because I may be good at getting my own way, and yet at such times, in retrospect, I realize the Lord is not in the picture. But this is not the stance that Scripture advocates. Scripture advocates patient, prayerful waiting, trusting that God knows what is good for his children, a long suffering hope that his gift will come, in time.

Waiting. Waiting. I'd rather not have to. But in his wisdom, God desires that we wait. With faith, with hope and love.