The Beauty of The Wait

Our dog, Jack, and I have a game we play whenever it’s walk time. “Jack? Ready for a walk?” I call out knowing he’s always ready. I pick up his harness and the game begins. Jack races down the hall and into the bedroom where he pounces and lands center of the bed. His eyes are bright in anticipation. “Let’s get you dressed,” I say as I come near with the harness. He then jumps off the bed and zooms down the hall to the living room. I know exactly what will happen. It’s been the same game for years. He will come back with his dental stick, which is called his “toothy bone.” I try to get it. He play growls and sometimes howls in happiness as I attempt, but fail every time, to get the toothy bone away from him. He will jump off the bed with me in hot pursuit down the hall. Like a pro footballer he sidesteps, runs past me, and back to the bed before I can catch him. On and on the game goes until he finally surrenders with a great smile. I slip on his harness and away we go.

Earlier this week I grabbed the harness and asked as always, “Jack? Ready for a walk?” He zoomed away as I waited for him to return with his toothy bone. I waited and waited, but Jack didn’t come. Finally I walked down the hallway to see what had happened. There he was sitting stoically beside the dining table. His eyes were fastened on the hallway, waiting for me to appear. I walked over and saw the problem. Somehow his toothy bone was under the table with chair legs blocking any attempt for Jack to get to it. I knelt down, got the toothy bone, gave it to Jack who once again raced down the hallway for the game to proceed.

I was touched by his trust, and in his waiting for me to come and solve his problem. It was obvious that he had no doubt I would come. He did not whine or bark. He just waited, knowing. Oh, if only each of us could do the same in relationship with our Heavenly Father. We go along life’s way, walking through life’s routines as we do everyday when something unexpected happens. A problem or worry or sorrow appears that, at the time, seems insurmountable. How will we get through this? Perhaps we need direction. Which way should we go? How will we find peace in the midst of great grief? Who will help us? Why do we look into our own possible solutions before we realize we need to give our pain or dilemma to God and wait for Him to take care of it for us?

Jack never doubted I would come to his aid. Why do we doubt our Savior? Why do we doubt our Father? Why do we doubt in the leading of the Holy Spirit? I learn a lot from our silly, but lovable dog. This week I am reminded to ask myself in times of trouble, Where does my help come from? (Psalm 121:1) It comes from the One who gave His life for me, who is always watching over me, who finds nothing too hard to handle, who is ever listening for my call for help. In quietness and confidence is your strength (Isaiah 30:15). Do not fret. Be quiet in His presence, letting His love wash over you. Do not agonize. Stand in the confidence that He is your Father. He will come to your aid. He has always loved you and He will never stop.

Do not wait in worry; wait with eyes on Him. Joy and peace grows in the waiting. Waiting is not a curse but a blessing as it allows us to soak in the ever -present beauty of Emmanuel — God with us (Matthew 1:23).