The Waiting Game

One of my family’s favorite things to do in the summertime is spend time at the pool. We all love those leisurely afternoons, playing and enjoying each other and the sunshine. There is one thing about pool days that we don’t enjoy, however. And, that is the frustrating task of covering 3 impatient kids and their equally impatient parents in sunscreen.

I usually try to get everyone slathered up before we ever leave the house, but sometimes I forget and have to do it when we get to the pool. This creates a major problem! First of all there’s the inevitable argument about who gets lotioned-up first. After all, the kids are excited and anxious to get in the pool and now they have to wait for me to cover each of them and then another 15 minutes to let the sunscreen sink in before they jump in. In those 15 minutes I hear the question, “Mom, is it time yet?” or “How Much Longer” at least 100 times. I know it feels like torture to them, and I wish as much as they do that they could just jump it right away. But, it’s for their own good. I don’t want them to have to endure the painful sunburn that they will undoubtedly suffer if we don’t give the sunscreen time to set. Someday, they’ll understand.

Have you been praying for something and get the feeling that God is putting you off? Are you frustrated that he keeps making you wait when you want it NOW? Remember that God loves you deeply and he wants what is best for you. He also sees the consequences of answering your prayer before the time is right. If he is making you wait, I can assure you that it is for your own good. When we wait on the Lord with faith and patience we are rewarded in many ways. Listen to this verse form Isaiah 40:31-But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

So, be encouraged today, knowing that your patience will be rewarded. Just like my kids, waiting for that reward is often necessary to prevent us from getting burned.