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Wine by Keep Wine Simple.jpg

Awaiting the Seasons

Tim Riter December 5, 2016

Image by Keep Wine Simple

Ever look back on the “good old days?” Were yours as good as you remember, or has time improved them? Or were your good old days something you impatiently awaited, and they came so slowly? Sometimes the best seasons of our lives still lie before us.

Those days

those “good old days”

 have gone

            never to be lived again

searching for a passion

            to give direction to my life

searching for a better job

            than just one to pay the bills

searching for an attractive and willing woman

            to share my journey

searching for the freedom

            to fully craft the life

The days are better

            Now

So often, when younger, the good times seemed in the future. The distant future. The passion that gave overall direction to my life didn’t arrive until 23, when after years of searching I finally discovered the challenge and purpose and joy and struggle that came with letting Jesus become my Lord. But that took a lot of impatient searching and frustration.

A job that did more than pay the bills only came at 30, when I discovered only ministry could satisfy the professional restlessness of my heart. At 31, the willing woman came at that first ministry, and our journey has been joyful and frustrating and so fulfilling. And the freedom to more fully craft the life only came at 67, retirement, with a much greater chance to choose what to do and when and how, and when to take a break.

So, the meaning for all of us in growing in Christ? First, do think ahead. Ponder. Pray. Plan. Try to figure out the best values and directions and how you should live in Jesus. But, hold to them loosely, and give God room to act on your behalf. We often need to pay some dues, to get through some training sessions, before God knows we’re ready for what we think we’re ready for. I’ve struggled too much with the passage, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9), thinking my wisdom matched that of the Creator.

Second, develop patience. None of those crucial steps in my life came at the time I wanted them. I had essential lessons to learn. Yes, I often objected to God, strongly, at his timing. No, I don’t do that anymore. Yes, I’ve apologized to him, and confessed it publicly, like now. Two truths have helped me with that: God loves me more than I love myself, and Father knows best.

And remember, like at Cana, the best wine often comes last.

Kick Starting the Application

Think back to some occasions you thought God delayed unnecessarily. Has time given you a better perspective? What specifically allowed that? Do you have something you await, more eagerly than patiently? Why might God be delaying that? Can you accept his love and wisdom?

InPoetry TagsWine, Patience, Plans, Spiritual Formation, Good Old Days, Future, Past
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TimGlacierMcDonald.jpg

A bit of an unreconstructed Jesus freak. Almost old enough to have known him when he walked this world. About 27 on the inside. Investing his life in university and teen students. Inveterate cross country motorcycle rider. Nature lover. Entranced with the power of written and spoken words. Still learning.

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Unconventional

Old Faith, New Following