Wednesday, January 11, 2012

dear diary :: waiting



Dear Diary,

Recently I have started selecting one little word at the beginning of every year to help define and shape my upcoming year. Last year I chose delight. This year I chose the word wait.

Waiting. It's an odd selection for a motivational word. And it wasn't my first choice either. I tried to choose something different... really, I did. At first I wanted to go with the word hope... then I thought I'd use the word trust... And while those are both great options and I'm sure will hold meaning for me this year... I still kept coming back to the word wait.

Waiting... what does it even mean?

To stay in place in expectation of... To delay... To remain stationary in readiness or expectation... To look forward expectantly... To hold back expectantly... To be ready and available...

I've begun to realize how "waiting" normally has a negative connotation for me. Waiting means something is being withheld... my need for instant gratification isn't being fulfilled... or I am waiting for something that everyone else already has.

Sure, a big part of this word for me is waiting for a child... but it's much, much more than that... I often find myself waiting for acceptance... waiting for approval... waiting for comfort... waiting for answers... and yes, waiting for a child. But I've been asking myself some hard questions recently... Am I okay with waiting? What if I never receive the things I am waiting for? Do I feel that I need those things to be happy? Am I okay waiting for God? Or am I even waiting for God at all? Do I trust that His timing is better than my own?

But that's when it hit me. I'm not merely waiting for God... I'm waiting WITH God. Thankfully, He doesn't leave me high and dry to wait alone... He waits with me... gently reminding me that His plan is better. And I trust that. Some days it's hard to remember... but that's why I chose this word wait... not to remind me what I am waiting for, but rather Who I am waiting with.

Love,

Julia

......................................
I really loved this article on waiting on the Lord.

"Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."
-Psalm 27:14

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13 comments:

Ashley said...

Thank you for posting this! Just what I needed to hear!

Kelly said...

ummmmm PHENOMANAL! thank you! I always thought waiting was bad...but you're right...how would we live if we found out the things we were waiting for were never going to happen...wow.this is so good Julia...and I love that waiting with the Lord...so good...this whole post really ministered to me. thanks.

mleslie43 said...

Love this Julia, and of course you already know our story and I truly believed that God had such a purpose in that for your Dad and me. What is so exciting is that God has something so phenomenal for you and Lance that you will look back on this day and say Oh that's why He had us wait...

Shari said...

I love your positive outlook Julia! Well put.

hill said...

beautiful. thank you for posting this for the world to read and for linking up. xoxo.

Jennifer Dawn McLucas said...

Is it a little weird that your words have me looking forward to the next time I have to wait? ;) I've always hated waiting. Next time I'll take your advice and remember who's waiting with me. Thanks so much for that beautiful truth. You rock!

Unknown said...

This really speaks to some things I've been thinking about lately. I just wish I could give you a great big hug! Such wonderful, insightful, faith-filled thoughts...thank you for this, Julia. <3

molly b. said...

This was heartfelt and beautiful, Julia.

I am so thankful for you. I miss you so.

I will join you in the waiting.

Salena said...

Waiting is one of the most difficult things in the world for most of us. I, too, had to wait a long time for a child, but God had and has a perfect plan for us, and He does for you, too.

I love the quote you posted, because it's so true. I think I appreciate my son so much more because I did have to wait for him. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you wait with God for what He has in store!

The BLESSED Braswell's at "The Branch" said...

Love your post, really hits home to me as well. I find comfort in the quote you put as well....God is good all of the time and knows exactly what we need and when we need it...Thanks for the uplifting and personal thoughts!

DHDavis said...

O Julia, you have the best insight & most wonderful outlook on life. Thank you for being such a strong believer in Christ. Sending you a big HUG also:)

Unknown said...

"not what i'm waiting for but who i'm waiting with" love your description of your word. love your blog! i came from layla's today...would love to follow you and see how God's plan unfolds. also, i saw where you say you're missing georgia. i live in georgia and i was wondering if you once lived here? many blessings and strength while you wait with our Lord.

Unknown said...

Love your word-and why it fits you-Following from Layla's-stop by for a visit!