Wait

I was asked by the Relief Society to write a message for next month's newsletter. Considering next month is November, maybe I should have written about gratitude. But, I have been pondering patience lately and decided to write about that. Here's my message:

I have two young daughters who sometimes have a difficult time waiting for things they want. They want me to open something while I’m driving. They want candy “right now!” They don’t understand why we can’t go to Disneyland today. They get excited to speak to daddy and talk at the same time, speaking loudly over each other. Sometimes the noise wears on me and I find myself shouting in frustration “you have to wait!”

The irony of my lack of patience at these times is not lost on me. But I am trying to be better. I would like to be an example of one who waits.

Waiting is important to the Lord. Jeremiah taught, “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”  (Lamentations 3:26)

As I grow older, I recognize that none of us is without challenge; death, sickness, addiction, divorce, financial stress, and depression face many. Infertility brought many dark, lonely days to me. Fortunately for me, my wait for motherhood eventually ended with the adoption of Emily, and later Avery. But for some, desired blessings do not come in this life. The wait continues until the next.  

Waiting upon the Lord requires more than being patient. He asks us to trust Him. To serve each other. To be obedient. To endure to the end.

Those who wait have been promised they shall inherit the earth. (Psalms 37:9) There are also immediate blessings that come as we wait. The Lord has promised, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 31:40)

May God bless you as you wait.

Love, Helen