Journeys

Earlier this week, my grade 9 English class had to write a reflective essay on one of ten topics. One of the topics was entitled ‘Journeys.’ As I watched the girls furiously scribbling their reflections, I didn’t give much thought to any of the topics. Last night though, the title ‘Journeys’ popped into my mind.

In life we go on many journeys – the journey of marriage, of a new career, of motherhood. In between these journeys, though, we often experience a time of waiting. It’s almost like we’ve just finished one journey and are waiting at the railway station to board for the next journey. It’s often a frustrating time; waiting is never easy. We long to start the next journey, to feel the excitement of new experiences.

Sometime the wait is a short one. A journey ends and before we can even grab our suitcases, another one begins. But other times, the stop between journeys is a long one. We become anxious and irritated. Sometimes we even try to take the journey into our own hands. It never works out though.

What I have come to realise is that we can’t rush God. He has an amazing plan for our lives and His timing is perfect. If we are waiting a long time at the station for the next journey, then that’s exactly where He wants us to be.

The waiting time isn’t just dead time where nothing happens. God uses it just as much as He uses the journey, sometimes even more so. He uses that time to prepare us for the next journey. It’s a time where we can draw near to Him, to trust Him, to learn to fully rely on Him.

If you are just arrived at the station, or have been waiting there for a long time, relax. Pull up a chair, get comfortable and make the most of this time. It may not always seem like it, but God IS using this waiting time. He knows what is best for you. Don’t rush Him but use the time to draw closer to Him.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)