I Lost it in the Closet

It happened in 4th grade. I lost my innocence … regarding Christmas presents. I finally realized gifts didn’t just magically show up, but my parents actually bought and hid them before wrapping. So I started snooping. I hit the jackpot on my first try, but not because of my sleuthing skills. Our small house offered few hiding places, and my parents made little effort to hide gifts. I found this particular treasure in their closet behind Mom’s long hanging dresses. (photo via Unsplah)

The second I made this discovery, I was thrilled out of my 9-year-old mind. I could hardly conceal my excitement that day, or the next. But December 25th dragged its feet in arriving, and the long wait caused my anticipation to dwindled to a cross between frustration and nonchalance.

Then a couple days before Christmas, this large gift showed up under the tree, wrapped. In the years prior to losing my Christmas innocence, I would’ve taken time to squeeze the box, shake it, press my ear to it and listen (for what, I don’t know). I’d sit in front of it and stare longingly, dreaming about what happiness awaited me on the inside. But not that year.

My premature fulfillment killed an excitement that was meant for Christmas morning. The joy of anticipation? Non-existent. Just let me play with the stinkin’ toy already! I had to fake being surprised, and inadvertently robbed my parents of the joy of witnessing my exuberance over the Barbie Townhouse.

After that, I never again hunted for a gift, Christmas or birthday. Even today, I prefer the joy of surprise. (Photo via Unsplash)

Small things, Big things.

How long are we willing to stand in the line at the grocery store just to buy one carton of eggs? Probably no more than 5 minutes.

How long will we wait for a spouse or the perfect job before we take things into our own hands? A year or two?

The value we place on our own desires affects our level of patience.
And self-ambition affects our ability to make wise choices.

Delay of gratification: the act of resisting an impulse to take an immediately available reward in the hope of obtaining a more-valued reward in the future. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Have you already asked God for something and not yet received it?
“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year…”
He has heard your request.

Are you in a hurry to get that job or desperate for that spouse?
“He has made everything beautiful in its time…”
He knows when we’re ready. (photo via Pixabay)

Is what you’re asking for worth the wait? (Imagine pulling a 20lb turkey out of the oven after only an hour.)
God seems to think it’s worth your time. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…to redeem…” 

Friend, you know God desires to give you all of His promises. It’s part of a believer’s destiny. But are you going to make it happen in your own way? In your own strength?

He’s using your waiting period to equip you to maintain that more-valued reward when it comes?

Choose to be one of the few with the courage and strength to wait for His best?

Sow trust while in the waiting.

Reap satisfaction.

In case you are wondering exactly what God’s promises are to those who are surrendered to Him, here’s a list to get you started: God’s promises