Waiting
Years back, I arrived at church with three young kids in tow, attempting to herd them into Bible class. The morning had been bumpy, they were arguing and moving more slowly than I wanted; I felt harried and exhausted. A few moms stood talking nearby when I realized I had forgotten a birthday gift for one of them. I (literally) stomped my foot in frustration and said, “Oh! I forgot your gift!”
One friend, standing in the group, smiled gently at me, and said, “Ah, that’s where your daughter gets it.”
“Get’s what?”, I asked, annoyance at myself still evident.
“The foot-stomping.”
Gulp. For sure, I did have a kid who was quite a foot-stomper, but never considered where she may have learned it! Humbled, I smiled sheepishly and realized the truth of her observation.
Foot-stomper. Who wants to admit they are one of those? Surely, I didn’t then, and still don’t, but if the stomping shoe fits...
What is foot-stomping? An expression of exasperation with a person or situation, or not wanting to do what is asked of us. Or perhaps, it’s an unwillingness to wait for the right time or a better circumstance. Makes me wonder, when do I stomp my foot (figuratively) toward some situation in which God has placed me? Do I whine about the unfairness, bemoan unanswered prayers, or complain when I don’t like to learn hard lessons?
In the delightful book, “Just You Wait”, by Tricia Williford, she writes, “Everyone waits, and no one likes it.” I might add, “…and stomps their foot in irritation.” At times it feels God is uncaring of our circumstance, not listening to our pleas and not acting on our behalf. In such times, it’s tempting to stomp and pout.
An obvious parallel is a parent who doesn’t allow their child to have every wish and whim, (no matter the foot-stomping). The parent is working to raise a child of good character, one who is grateful and generous; the parent knows better and is at work for the good of the child. Though the child may not like the decision, we understand there is a bigger picture the child cannot see.
It’s not so different with God. Whether or not we understand the situation in which he has placed us; he has the big picture. Our story is far from over. So, when we find our self in a perplexing circumstance, rather than stomping our foot in irritation, we can choose patience, we wait and watch for his plan to unfold.
It helps me to remember God understands our deepest needs, and knows exactly what we need, “…for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8. Even when it’s hard to accept this thought, true to his nature, God always shows us goodness. “Be at rest, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7.
Good. To. You.
No foot-stomping needed. God loves you - without end, and is good to you. Whatever is going on in your life at this moment, wait for it… he’s got this.