While Waiting

Some days I am so full of anticipation and longing that my soul aches.  My soul brimming with ideas, hopes and dreams.  I look up at a brilliant early autumn sky like this and the beauty intensifies my longings.

I am frustrated with the whole desire thing.  It seems I am invited to be attentive to the longings yet there is the interminable waiting to see them realized.  If I weren't rooted in my relationship with Jesus I'd probably be chasing down willy-nilly ideas to satisfy my desires. 

There is a majestic oak tree on our bank by the Muddy Creek that borders our property.  This tree often distracts me when I am sitting with Jesus.  I wonder how big it was when my maternal grandfather and his brothers wandered along these creek banks.  The Good home place is just upstream from our home.  This tree has witnessed many storms, droughts, and snowstorms.  Yet it stands strong and tall, the many limbs providing shade and shelter to various creatures.  Our campfire circle is under its boughs. 

It reminds me of the scripture in Psalm 1:3 where the man who meditates on God's Word day and night "...is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers."  I find encouragement in our grand oak tree.  God reminds me through this tree to keep my roots deeply connected to the source of my life, Jesus, and to bear fruit according to my unique person.  Our tree is patient, resting in the soil and growing up and up, branching out over and over again.  The reach of this tree is enormous.  As will my life be as I surrender my desires to God, to be satisfied in Him, and do the next right thing I know to do. That is what the Holy Spirit whispers when my soul is disquieted with longings.  I am invited to trust Him.

I invite you to trust God too.  Lean into His heartbeat and see what whispers you hear.  And look up now and again, at the sky and the trees, the mountains and the hills, and know God is mightier then we can ever grasp.