In a few days, the kids will head back to school with their new backpacks and tennis shoes, if they still wear tennis shoes to school. Maybe it’s flip flops. I’m not up on that any more, and I’m okay with it. August was a big month for us when our kids were younger. A new school year was always the ideal clean slate, a fresh start to a new day. It meant the old was washed away and the new and unknown lent hope and a few butterflies in the stomach for what lay ahead. The days of waiting were not days of idleness. There was work to do in the wait. Productive activities such as shopping for new clothes, getting new books, and organizing bedrooms to dress quickly in the morning were all part of the agenda. Waiting was an active verb as the weeks before school quickly arrived. However, waiting was not a synonym for worry. Although we had a few butterflies, we were full of hope, full of anticipation for what would soon unfold.
Waiting on God feels very similar to waiting on a new school year. There’s a fresh start around the corner. There are hills to overcome, but God says wait. Tonight, Clifford (CJ), my friend Jean’s precious grandson, awaits a new heart. They have tests to run, preparations to make, and yet, God says, “My timing is perfect. Wait on me. I have you in the center of my plan.” He tells us to wait. “Be still and know I am God.” We give Him praise in the wait. We look forward with hope because God can do all things. No more worrying, no more wondering what is next. No more dark of night even in the night. Enjoy the moment you have. Breathe again. Rest in His plan. (For the latest update on CJ, click on the blue box in the sidebar that says A New Heart for CJ.)
How many moments I have wasted, letting them go by consumed with worry, and flat missing the blessing. Life is sacred. Life was meant to be lived. Each minute of life was meant to be enjoyed. We choke out His fullness when we shortchange the wait. Revel in it. It is the exact opposite of what we want to do in times like waiting on a new heart for CJ, but there is so much blessing in the here and now. The next time someone you love pops in the room while you are on the computer, stop, look up and be present. Take it all in because in a blink of the eye, it’s a new day. The kids are all out of the house. There are no more crazy August school days. Those times are gone. However, there are new ones that wait just around the corner. Let’s not miss one of them—because we might get a glimpse of Eternity in the flash of a moment.
annette geffert 
“The next time someone you love pops in the room while you are on the computer, stop, look up and be present ….” Duly noted. Thank you for the reminder.
Annette, I wanted to copy and paste this to Kelly last night, but I send her so much stuff that I decided not to. Then today I had lunch with her and she commented that she just does not like the “place” we are in right now with CJ. So, I copied and pasted it to her tonight. I hope it will resonate in her spirit like it did in mine. She’s very heavy hearted.
Hugs to all of you still praying for CJ! God is all over him and us and I know it’s because of your prayers. Thank you soooooo much!
Love you all!
Love, Jean
ps – should have sent you that on email, sorry….delete it if you want
I wonder if I am visual. Not having photos is throwing me for a loop as to who it is—have to do a doubletake… I’ve never noticed on wordpress, bet it doesn’t show a picture. Your blog is defintely better reading than watching the big Olympics—trying to practice self control and not turn it on. (actually, we don’t even have a tv that works so what am i saying) So, I’m breaking with you! Wish I could talk to somebody—hubs is working in Austin. Home alone!
I read this early this morning and after a day out and about these words are still ringing in my heart. This is good and very much needed by me today. Looking forward to your call the field trip.
Nancy
Great post Annie! Waiting–an active verb. I love it that you bring out that there are other things to do while waiting, esp. enjoying the time with loved ones.
I’ll still be praying for CJ, Jean and the family. God’s timing is always perfect and right on time.
Love and blessings always.
Engrafted by His Grace–
Your post is what I needed this a.m. I am still tired, but not whiney today. My husband got the washing machine going. I felt better after that, it took him a while and he’s a plumber.
Have a blessed day.
Lord, I join all the prayer warriors praying for CJ.
Love, Annette (A2)
I’m anticipating “THE NEW DAY”! God is so good to us and I appreciate the reminder to live in the present. Today. Not worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. I am praying for CJ always. I loved this post today!!
Love you,
Angie xoxo
I have been pondering the start of school lately. More like lamenting it, actually. And I realize how selfish that is. Baby birds aren’t meant to live in the nest forever. (not that either child in any way resembles a baby bird.) But I oh so want the life that God has planned for them. And I guess that means letting go, huh? I can live more fully in the moment though. Pay more attention to what’s right in front of me. (No, not the dirty dishes, the boy who forgot to load the dishwasher. 🙂 )
Enjoy your day, dear one.
love,
karen
Praying for that darling CJ early this morning. Thanking God that His timing is perfect.
Have a wonderful Friday Annette.
Much love,
Fran
I love this post, Annette. Loved how you compared waiting on God with waiting for school to start. And the reminder that God’s timing is perfect and that life is sacred and meant to be lived and enjoyed……”The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Love you, Annette. Thanks to all your readers and friends who so faithfully pray for CJ. I love you all.
Jean