Have you ever said something like, “As soon as we pay this off we can…” or, “When we get our taxes back we can…” or maybe, “Monday I will start…” or even, “When I retire then I will…” Sound familiar? Why are we always living in the future? I’ve been calling into question my own thoughts. What I began to understand was just how invasive this way of thinking is for me. I was so busy worrying about what lay ahead that I forgot to live in the now.

It’s especially apparent as I wait for our house to be built, and I wait for our house to close, and I wait for money to come in so I can continue the process of editing and publishing my novel. I found myself lost in the waiting. But then I started thinking this time is just as important.

Let’s take a look at what the Bible says.

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,11 (NKJV)

Instead of waiting on the future, maybe I should be asking — What is the purpose of this season? What beauty can I find now? For me this season is about learning and preparing, for putting all my ducks in a row, and for relishing my freedom to write about anything on my blog as the Spirit inspires.

What season are you in? Have you been living in the future not recognizing what purpose God has for you right now?

Here is another familiar verse:

…And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14 (ESV)

Another question I could ask — Does God have something important for me to do? Do I have a divine appointment? There may be something only I can do in this time that I may miss as I am wallowing in the woe-is-me mindset of waiting.

Have you recognized how important you are right now in the lives of those around you?

What about this next verse?

You are like a tree, planted by flowing, cool streams of water that never run dry. Your fruit ripens in its time; your leaves never fade or curl in the summer sun . No matter what you do, you prosper.

Psalm 1:3 (VOICE)

“Your fruit ripens in its time.” There is the hope I need. There will be a time for me to see what I’m waiting for. In the meantime I can just hangout by the “cool stream” drinking up all the water I need, and soaking up all the sun to help me grow and produce the expected harvest.

It’s okay to plan and prepare for the future, but life holds no guarantee. I’m ready to recognize the importance and beauty of each season I’m in. How about you? Are you ready to be like a tree?

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay