It’s Christmas Eve. Children all over the world are wondering what tomorrow morning will bring.
I’ve long noticed that children are extra cranky and naughty this time of year. I’ve figured it out.
It’s the waiting and wondering. It is tough to wait and wonder. When we really, really want something, uncertainty is torture.
The same is true for adults
Sometimes, adults want or believe that they need something. We want “it” now! We get down on our knees and pray and then we wait, expectant as children on Christmas Eve. We’ve heard all the testimonies assuring us that our loving Heavenly Father hears and answers EVERY prayer.
But the waiting is tough. We want it SO much. Whether it be health or motherhood or fatherhood or marriage. It might be employment or the return of a wayward child. We beg and we plead and then we wait, wait and wait. We lose sleep and pray harder and harder.
Our prayers become demands. When that doesn’t work, we begin to bargain.
Then we begin to doubt ourselves. Are we not good enough. Are we not worthy? Does He love everyone in the world EXCEPT me?
But God is not Santa Claus.
Santa only gives good things to good children. Santa gives us what we ask for without regard for what’s good for us. Santa favors rich kids, lavishing them with elaborate goodies. He pays little attention to poor kids.
Our Heavenly Father isn’t concerned about our timetable. He doesn’t care much for what we think we want. He invites us to trust Him and believe, truly BELIEVE that He will give us the very BEST think for us.
Sometimes the very best thing for us is. . .waiting. If we truly seek to trust the Lord, we accept that he promises us “All that He has”, “A fullness of joy,” “Celestial Glory.”
In the meantime, we must learn the art of waiting. No matter how desperately we want something. . .no matter how righteous our desire, how righteous we are, or even how thoroughly we bind the Lord, He teaches us to trust him. We must endure the waiting.
But we can have joy in the waiting. As our capacity to trust in the Lord increases, our understanding increases. We develop the divine characteristics of patience, faith, compassion and long suffering.
There is no naughty and nice list with the Lord. If we sign onto the naughty list, we can fix it. . .always. As long as we’re alive, it’s never too late.
Most importantly of all, our Father in Heaven promised us the best gift of all. He knew what we needed more than anything and His love was so complete that no sacrifice was too much to ask.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whoso believeth in him shall not perish but shall have everlasting life.
Believe that God will give you the best of everything for your eternal life.
Trust, BELIEVE, and happy waiting. . .
In the meantime, Merry Christmas!
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