Have you ever wanted something so badly that it seemed like you waited forever?
God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. His love is abundant and sufficient. Just like a good Mom's love for her child. Love is overflowing. Even so, love does not mean giving a loved one everything his or her heart desires. God has good timing, and His children must learn patience.
Patience is a challenge in the moment when a desire is strong. However, with age and wisdom, it is revealed that God’s timing is perfect. Interestingly enough, the synonyms for patience include; forbearance, long-suffering, sufferance, and tolerance. These are all strong reminders of how long it can seem to take to achieve a desired goal on your own.
Throughout the period of waiting and learning to adjust to the current situation with longing desire, much personal change and growth can take place. The time of waiting can seem like an eternity. However, even if you are not blessed with what your heart has a hold of, God has a better plan. You just need to trust, which requires faith.
When my kids were babies and toddlers, I wanted so badly to live in a specific neighborhood that was closer to central Raleigh. Not only did I pray about being able to move to this neighborhood, I remember asking my Dad if he would help me financially so that we could move into this neighborhood. He had always known better than to say yes to me for most things I asked for from him. I do believe that his reluctance to buy me material items, made me who I am today. I am grateful for his discipline and how he raised me. (I'm not sure that I have done as good a job of saying no to my kids). My Dad helped me see the beauty of this world, and knew that creating memories and experiences would be the gifts he wanted to give me. He never made life about materialism. He also taught me the value of working hard for what I would receive in life. I am forever grateful that he allowed me to create my own path in life.
My husband and I moved to Raleigh soon after our marriage, and we built our home in the neighborhood where we lived for 28 years. Although I never lived in the neighborhood that I wanted to live in, I was able to raise my children in a wonderful neighborhood where all of us established and were surrounded by wonderful neighbors and friends. It was the ideal place for my children to grow up. God knew what was best for us, as did my Dad. He made sure that He would fulfill His promises to us, by giving us the joys of our heart, and for me that was to be with friends and near loved ones.
We finally moved 2 years ago, and I literally cried 3 times while we walked through the home we ended up buying. Never would I have dreamt that we would live in this house. Again, God blessed me. My faith, my Dad's discipline, and God's good graces all enabled this blessing on my family.
One could say that I had to be patient for 30 years or that I had to endure long- suffering to receive the gift of living in my desired location in an older home. However, throughout those 30 years, God blessed me and my family more than I could have ever imagined. He knew where we would be happiest, and His timing was perfect. Faith allowed me to see the goodness of God's gifts throughout my entire life. With reliance on God and the importance of focusing on the goodness in each and every day, my blessings have been abundant. Beyond grateful.
" You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29: 13
This is dedicated to my Dad! I love you! Happy Birthday week!! 82 years and going strong!
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