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It's the Waiting

I hurried to change into my sweats and running shoes.  The evening darkness was quickly shadowing down,  and I didn't want to miss the colors of a cold sun setting.  It had been a wonderful day, I gave Christmas Tea to my neighbors who all lived in the corner of my street.  It was fun to prepare the menu and decorate the house. But my real joy came from our table conversation.  I realized again the value of female relationships.  Women have such endurance and resilience with life, and yet have hearts that long to be nurtured, heard and understood.  No one is immune to battles, and comfort comes in letting one another into our journeys, even if it is for the brief time of an afternoon tea.  I found myself inspired and energetic, and heading out the door with Goldyn, I felt like I could run forever. . .

I didn't think that the plant would really grow.  It had actually been part of a floral arrangement, my former Director of Nursing had given to me.  I didn't have a pot for it, but because it was still living I didn't want to throw it out.  So, I placed it the backyard in between the tall juniper trees. I didn't dig a hole for it, but only dropped its clump on top of the ground.  That was about 17 years ago, but over the years, and to my surprise it has taken root and grown.  Primarily, it is only green with its leaves arranged in an umbrella pattern.  Last year it started to bear small berries, and this year it is producing spikes or tentacles that are salmon like red.  All of sudden, this plant, now tree, is reminding me of similar trees I've seen in Hawaii, which were some of my most favorite, and here it is growing in my yard!  Who knew?  Look what I would have missed if I had given up, pulled it out, thrown it out, thinking it was just an ordinary, plain green plant!
 
It's in the waiting that potentials are recognized and seen.  It's in the waiting that fruit or blossoms come.  It's in the process of enduring, soaking in the rain, basking in the heat, and quietly pushing upward.  It's just like serving tea, you have to wait for the water to boil, then wait for tea to seep, and then giving tea allows you to "wait" around your table and listen to each story.  Waiting makes you realize the treasure you have in relationships and appreciate the hope that comes from being with one another.  Life is in the waiting . . .
 
Contrary to our culture that thrives on the "instant," we are made in the image of God.  God is always waiting, patient, and enduring.  We are never a "rush job for Him."  It may take us a whole lifetime to truly understand His grace and love, and that is OK with Him.  He is patient in the process and He quietly waits for us to turn to Him.  Don't miss the blessing that is found in the waiting. .  .


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