Have you ever focused on the destination? The result? The next thing? I definitely have. I have grown to become impatient, in anticipation for what’s on the other side. Through the waiting, I have only looked forward to the next thing to do. The next episode, assignment, step, hour, day…
What they all have in common is that I only find temporary peace. Where each ‘next thing’ only numbs the present sufferings I’m going through - the insecurities, the complaints and the cries for Christ to save me. I keep giving my time to things that don’t satisfy the hunger and thirst in my heart. Yet the grace, mercy and love for the Lord surpasses my failings and accomplishments. All the Lord is asking is, “Will you open your hands to receive my grace through the life I’ve laid for you?”
Our Lord doesn’t simply count our sins and triumphs. He wants each of us to come as we are, as His child. Like a parent who picks up their child from falling, our Father will always do the same - with a warm smile and gaze that stares into our soul saying:
“I knew you even before you were conceived" (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
"I chose you when I planned creation." (Ephesians 1:11-12)
"It is my desire to lavish my love on you. Simply because you are my child and I am your Father."
(1 John 3:1)
We spend our lives giving time to temporary, earthly possessions when we could instead, receive His abundance of peace. A beautiful quote from the Abiding Together podcast says, “The Lord doesn’t do the next thing, He does the next new thing. He’s always doing something new.” In our waiting, He is preparing us to receive His blessings. Our Lord is a God of process, not just the result. He wants us to seek Him and find a deeper answer within our calling to be His children. A calling to come to know Him, a calling where He transforms our hearts…a calling to take the next few steps in which He made new for us to journey through towards salvation. So as we carry our crosses through our joys and sufferings, let us be reminded that the Lord has risen! He hasn’t remained on the cross. He rose! He is helping us carry our crosses as we too, rise with Him. Let us rejoice in joyful hope and seek Him who makes everything new. It is there, it is in Him, where we can find rest in an abundance of peace.
St. Therese of Lisieux, pray for us!
mae.
Comments