Month: July 2010

Waiting Requires Strength

I’ve been in a season that I’m pretty sure is called, “waiting.” I feel like each day, I am waiting for something. Waiting on an email. Waiting on a phone call. Waiting for the next thing. Waiting for a yes. Waiting for a no. Waiting for something. Waiting for anything!

A few year back I felt the Lord speak this phrase to me, “waiting speaks of worth.” Let that sink in… He’s really brilliant.

We are (or should be) willing to wait for the things that are really valuable. Growing up in this microwave generation, the concept can be excruciating.

Recently I somehow got in a conversation about microwaves. It was really interesting the way that microwaving literally changes the molecular structure of a substance. Hmm… very interesting.

Now hang with me, this is not a science or even health lesson. I am not on an anti- microwave, throw it out to the curb rant. But I do want to challenge our thinking for a minute. Microwaving changes the nutritional value in food, and I think this could quite possibly teach us a great life lesson.

When we skip the waiting process, could we possibly settle for less than the best that our Heavenly Father has for us?

Waiting requires such a deep place of trust. It requires of me to wrestle through my fears, in order to find the place of rest. It somehow finds out of shape muscles in my heart, and gives them a run for their money. The quiet place can be so demanding and revealing. Suddenly my insecurities lay bare. The interesting thing is, I have found that usually once I find that place of peace and rest, the breakthrough comes quickly.

Challenge- Is there an area where you might be avoiding the waiting process? I encourage you to face the process head on, and allow the process to take you to green pastures and still water.

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Happy “waiting!” In the end, it will be worth the wait.

Independence is Overrated

When I was a kid I was so terrible at receiving. I was always “fine.” My siblings would nudge me with pointy elbows, and say under their breath, “Anna just take it.” It would be something as small as a Coke from a neighbor.

Today I am realizing what a blessing community and family are. We weren’t created to live without each other. I had to take my car into the shop today, and got a ride from the owners son to a place where my roommate could pick me up.

As I sat in his oversized diesel Dodge truck (reminded once again the difference between Northern and Southern California) I thought to myself I am going to be ok. One of those moments where you realize even 2000 miles from home, you are not alone. My roommate picked me up from the Starbucks where he dropped me off, and I did feel a little like a junior high kid without a backpack. Yet underneath it all I just felt so grateful that I have such amazing relationships in my life.

My roommates and I have had some challenging conversations lately. The interesting thing is that the hard conversations are coming from a place of strength and not weakness. As we evaluate our lives and goals, one thing is clear, we desire to grow and that requires stretching. We have vulnerably laid out some of our needs, concerns, and areas where we see that our relationships can improve. Even though at moments it may feel uncomfortable it is a really a beautiful thing.

I am learning or re-learning it is good and healthy to need people. Don’t get me wrong I need and enjoy alone time, but I also recognize that I need the people God has graciously placed around me.

“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does it work”
Ephesians 4:16

Today’s challenge. 🙂 Evaluate some of the relationships God has given you. Do you see areas that need improvement? Perhaps it would be better to discuss those things now in a rational state, instead of waiting for yet another conflict to arise? Be brave, be bold, and reach for the invaluable potential your relationships have.

Hey, relationship is what life really boils down to anyway right?!

Grace to you!!