Hurry Up

I am punctual to a fault.  In fact, my dad used to say that if I arrived on time, I felt as though I was actually late.  Sad, but that actually pegs me pretty accurately.  As a mom, I am mildly ashamed to admit that both of my kids learned some of my patented phrases as their first words.  My little girl blurted out "Let's go!" nearly as soon as I could understand her, and my son clearly enunciates, "Get going!" and "Hurry!"  My obsession with being on time, and keeping to a schedule, is definitely reflected in their young actions and vocabulary.  Neither a good or bad habit, being on time is more of a hallmark for me.  Keeping to my schedule is helpful to keep my days running smoothly, exactly the way I plan them.

The only problem is that life doesn't usually fit into my schedule.  I usually try to cram it into my box without any success.  I have a plan.  I know what to do to accomplish it.  So, let's do it.  No stalling.  No reason to come to the end of the day with empty hands.  Lots of packed boxes sitting around, cluttering up your living space?  Work until you can barely keep your eyes open to unpack them.  Set a goal and them it.  Bathroom papered with dated ugly wallpaper?  Take all day to strip as much of it as possible and finish it the next day.  Done.  House re-organization and remodel still on schedule.  Let's go!  Hurry up and work until you finish. 


I do relax and unwind, but only after my schedule has been maintained.  I push and push to keep moving until the task at hand is completed or I can no longer move forward.  Even typing these words, it doesn't sound altogether healthy.  It sounds like I am missing something relevant and important in life.  With all of this pushing and striving and straining to be on time something is lacking.  I am missing out on the waiting.  Being still.  Contemplative quiet.

There is beauty in waiting.  Stunningly hidden beauty in waiting on the Lord.

"It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."-Lamentations 3:26

"Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him that he might save us.  This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation." --Isaiah 25:9

"But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." --Micah 7:7

Yes, this is the part I need to to savor more.  Stopping and waiting.  And implied in the waiting is an ear tuned to the Lord.  What plans does He have for me?  My list says that today is the day the wallpaper is coming down, but my little girl needs to feel mama's arms around her.  Boxes of bathroom necessities sit in the bathroom,waiting to be unpacked, but my brother wants to chat as he drives to class.  Small things, but each I have overlooked in my mad rush to accomplish my own ideas for today.  I have not waited.  And I have missed the daily graces and the daily callings God has placed in my path.  I have failed to wait for my God.  

Funny how pushing through my list never brings me the satisfaction that I think it will.  But waiting for God's daily direction and setting my hands to His tasks never disappoints. 

For such a schedule-keeper as I, waiting for daily direction will take resolve.  I think it must for others as well, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"--Psalm 27:14