When I was a child and was told to wait, waiting seemed forever to me. My uncle told my sister and me if we could sit still and be quiet for five minutes, he would give us each a quarter. What a painful experience for two active, giggly girls! That five minutes seemed like an hour. Time goes much faster for me now, but waiting can still be difficult. We pray and ask God to alleviate pain, to answer a question, to guide us in a decision, and sometimes he says wait. Waiting on God is always for our good, of course. Trust me, I’ve presumptuously charged ahead before, telling myself God would bless my endeavors. When I made a wrong turn God didn’t desert me, but I had to suffer the consequences of my decision. Listen and wait for God. Life is a lot easier that way!

Why do bad people thrive and good people suffer? It’s not always true, but when it does, we wonder. We can reason life happens randomly, which it does. Maybe these bad people have better health genetically. Or some bad people are craftier in their decisions or at making money than good people. (By good, I mean followers of Christ as opposed to those who serve only themselves.) This I know, when I’m blessed with good, whatever it is, that good always comes with peace and joy attached. From what I can tell, that’s not the case for all. And, when I suffer, I know it’s not in vain. Our Savior knows personally what we’re going through, whether physical or mental, and redeems even our suffering.

My son mentions many times how thankful he is God has always been involved in his life. During his early years as a young man, he admits he was not too concerned about right living. Even then, he didn’t do anything that would have jeopardized his future career as an attorney. He thanks God for his mercy and grace. I agree with him and remind him his grandmother, his mother, his sisters and no doubt others prayed for him throughout those years. How many prayers have been prayed over you, and me? We may never know in this life, but God knows and hears. Let’s be grateful for those prayer servants in our life.

Winston Churchill is famous for the saying back when England was facing Hitler’s takeover of their isle in World War II. More than once this past week the words, Don’t Quit, kept coming up. Someone told me personally, referring to my writing. I heard it in a sermon. I felt the need to say it to a couple of others. Though I’m sure coincidences happen, I always question if what happens is truly a coincidence. Somebody may be telling me something. Have you ever felt that way? If you have your senses attuned to hearing from God, I’m sure you’ve had that experience. The Holy Spirit is always available to help us through this journey we call life, if we will only listen.

Yes, I’ve heard stories of how pain can change people’s lives for the better. Pain is a most effective wake-up call, that’s for sure. Pain is also necessary to alert us to health problems. At various times I’ve suffered excruciating pain, both physical and mental, and I’ve learned God never left me throughout those awful struggles. When I was bent over in pain from kidney stones, I prayed for relief. It didn’t instantly come, but what did come were thoughts of how much Christ suffered for me on the cross. Though I was hurting beyond what I could imagine, he was there. That lesson has stayed with me. But I still hate pain and pray for the day when pain will be no more.

Usually I have my days planned, even sometimes writing down what needs to be done and in what order. As I also ask for God’s involvement, I shouldn’t be surprised when my plans are superseded by his. Like today, my plans included a trip to the bank, post office and gas station. None of that worked out. No, today will be a day dedicated to solemn reflection, meditation and prayer. This day is September 11, a day to remember all those still suffering the losses of that horrific tragedy. This happened years ago but God hasn’t forgotten. He shares in the pain of those who lost husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. It will never be just another anniversary of a bad day for them. And, neither is it for God.

The thought came to me one day, am I taking God for granted? After my early morning devotional, do I go around the rest of the day, watering my plants, sweeping my floors, preparing meals, without God continually in my thoughts? Yes, at times I do take God for granted. I take him for granted in the same way I took my parents for granted when I was a child. No matter what, I knew they loved me and would provide for me and protect me. Thoughts that they wouldn’t never entered my mind. Only later did I realize what they had sacrificed for me. Only then could I really understand and show my appreciation for their care. Much more than for our parents we can take God for granted, but let’s be sure to show him how grateful we are that we can.

One of my friends leases part of her property to someone with sheep. At first they were leery of her, but as she kept bringing them bits of food, they started coming up to her back fence in anticipation of a treat. So, when she approached them from another part of her property, she was surprised they shied away from her. She might bring them treats at times, but she isn’t their shepherd. Sheep aren’t the smartest of animals, but they do know their shepherd. Jesus often referred to himself as the shepherd and his followers as sheep. Even if we aren’t the smartest, we know whom we can always trust to provide and care for us.

Some mornings while enjoying my cup of coffee, praying, reading devotionals, meditating, before I know it, hours have gone by. Oh no, the day’s almost half over and I haven’t done anything! Those thoughts are followed by, Wait, what could be more important than spending extra time with our Savior. I’m retired, even with my daily chores, I have more discretionary time than those families still struggling to balance work, chores and children’s activities every day. Why not spend extra time praying for those who, unlike me, have to squeeze in a little prayer time whenever they can.

Have you ever had someone treat you disrespectfully and every time you think of that person you remember the incident, even though it may have happened years ago? It could have been a few negative words or even a smirk on their face at something you said. Nothing earth shattering. When that happens to me I feel so childish. They didn’t slap me or spit in my face or yank my hair. Even worse, they didn’t beat me or torture me in any way. They may have disagreed with something I said or talked down to me or said something to make me look foolish, but they had no desire to kill me. Thank you, my Savior, for your unconditional love. Thank you for your forgiveness, even to those set on destroying you. Help me follow your example.