Thankful in the Waiting
My daughter’s thankfulness tree is a beautiful creation. This thing of beauty was produced after a trial. You see, this tree took 45 minutes of screaming and crying, of thrashing in anger, before we could even begin. My daughter hates anything that requires even the slightest amount of effort from her. As her mom, however, I know that on the other side of that effort, is joy.
I place her in her chair and explain the fun project we are going to do. I know the meltdown is coming. It arrived as I predicted. It is more of an explosive volcano actually. I patiently wait, knowing the screams will soon end. Just as I expected, she begins the calm. When I knew she was ready to engage again, I approached her. As gentle as I could, using kind eyes and good words, I explained what a fun thing I would like us to work on together. While she wasn’t ready to get started for almost an hour, the outcome was a sweet and beautiful memory made together.
I am so proud of her. I probably came up with three or four of the thankfulness leaves, but the rest was all her! I am reminded how patient the Lord is with me. When I finally stop my screaming, hollering, tantrum, something beautiful is always revealed. I wish I did not have to relearn this lesson over and over again yet I am thankful for the loving arms of my Savior who is waiting on me to calm so I can meet with Him, and see the beautiful thing that He is creating, in me.
Heavenly Father, your love is everlasting! Remind me to see through eyes of faith knowing the outcome of the waiting, is worth it! You are worth it all! This Thanksgiving I choose to praise you for all of the ways you grow and transform me to live in and through your love. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Psalm 136:1–6
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.