This morning I woke and found another email regarding my computer order!
E-gads!!
At this point it has been two weeks of anticipating and waiting for its arrival. Delayed expectations.
Now if we were in a larger city it would be no problem, it would just be a drive to the local electronics store or big box discount retailer, to pick out the one that suits me, pay for it and home I’d go to set it up.
However, in rural, small town Arizona that isn’t the case. Each morning I fight back the frustration. But with each morning I also step out my door and thank the Father for the beauty I see. The benefits of living here far out weigh the frustration I am experiencing.
“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4 CEV
I remind myself daily that the Lord has promised me His peace that surpasses my understanding and that when I’m in His presence I will be filled with joy. If those two qualities are lacking it’s up to me to adjust my focus.
That’s simple to say but not always easy to do! We now live in a world that offers “instant gratification”. No patience required, no waiting necessary.
We have overnight shipping, on-line purchasing, microwave cooking, research at our fingertips, cameras on our phones, instant sharing. But things like relationships are developed over time; wisdom and knowledge must be learned; kindness and compassion are developed through experience. The things that make us better come through growth.
“We have everything we need to live a life that pleases God. It was all given to us by God’s own power, when we learned that he had invited us to share in his wonderful goodness. 4 God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our evil desires and the corrupt influences of this world. 5Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, 6 self-control, patience, devotion to God, 7 concern for others, and love. 8 If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful.” II Peter 1:3-8 CEV
I ask myself daily – am I displaying the character that Christ desires in me or am I being selfish and wanting instant gratification?
I choose to be patient so that His perfect will is done even if it means delayed delivery!