Patiently

Lately, I have found my mind racing with thoughts that take me to and fro on a rollercoaster of assumptions, perceptions, and possibilities. It’s exhausting. Yesterday was no exception. After talking to a friend who reminded me to simply, “Be patient”, I decided to attempt to steal away from the internal theme park of my mind.

Practicing stillness with God has not been my strong suit…ever. When I try to just be alone with Him, my mind goes on tangents here and there, and it takes the longest time to reel my thoughts back in. It can be frustrating.

The one place I don’t seem to have that problem is at the lake. So last night, in an attempt to just clear my head, I took the eight or so mile trip to Lake Rim. This time I stationed my chair much closer to the water below my favorite spot and I sat.

For the better part of two hours I never once checked social media or tried to carry on conversations via text. I simply–and patiently–sat and looked out at the water waiting for the familiar dance in nature that would soon end in a marvelous sunset.

As my mind gradually emptied of the familiar ups and downs I so often experience in thought, Jesus met me there.

Very quietly and tenderly in my spirit, I heard Him speak to me.

“Wait as patiently for Me to make things happen as patiently as you are waiting for this sunset.”

I smiled to myself as I heard that deep within my soul and promptly shared it with my friend who had gently reminded me earlier in the day to “Be patient.”

I’ve never been a patient person. At least not when it comes to things I want in life. Maybe this is why the string of sin and monumental mistakes from my past is so long. But I do desire to be patient. I long to sit and spend time with Jesus confident that He has each step planned out for me. I yearn for a peace deep within my spirit that allows me to step into each day with the assurance that He goes before me.

So, here is my prayer for today:

Lord, thank You for the sunsets that remind me to be patient as I wait for you. Thank you for sending people into my life who gently remind me to be still. When I am tempted to need instant gratification, bring the beauty of Your creation in the sunsets I love so much–and the waiting required to enjoy them–to my mind. Amen