I learned an important lesson last weekend, and I learned it from a child about to turn six years old; things take time, and you have to be patient and wait. I have probably learned this lesson a hundred times over. Obviously, I needed a refresher course!
It is hard to wait for things we really want. And yet, the best things in life, take an incredible amount of our effort and time. First, there is the dream, and then, there is the hard work involved in making that dream come true.
If you look back over your life, you start to see that the really big accomplishments took a considerable investment of effort over the long haul. In fact, the very best things, like great friendships, good relationships, and rewarding jobs, were things we built over time. Just like a house, we started with a foundation, and worked from there.
This past weekend, I went with my husband, son, daughter in law, and granddaughter, to a wonderful park. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon, sitting in the warm sunshine, while my son and granddaughter did some fishing.
As we looked out over the lake, I saw two ducks in an inlet. They were lovely, floating serenely on the water, little puffs of white feathers. I told my granddaughter, Charlotte, that I wanted a picture of the ducks, but they were too far away.
Charlotte shrugged her shoulders. “They will come,” she said, with a sigh. “They are just taking their time.”
Her eyes met mine, and the wisdom in her words blew me away. In other words, the ducks were enjoying the blue-sky day, and would make their way back at their own pace.
I wondered, if perhaps, she was right. I watched the ducks for some time, but they did not appear to move at all. And so, I turned my attention to the seagulls cavorting overhead. I watched Charlotte with her fishing pole. I watched as the clouds drifted by, and one lone boat cruised past us.
After awhile, I saw that the two ducks were moving along in the direction of where we were. They kept coming closer, until they waddled right up behind me. I could not believe it!
I got lots of pictures of the ducks…really close-up ones. I may have waited all afternoon, but there they were, right in front of me! I was able to turn around and follow them up the hill.
So, I learned another important lesson at the lake; every moment counts. Even while I was waiting for those ducks, a beautiful afternoon was spread out before me…blue sky, lovely lake, with a backdrop of towering trees, and simply the wonder of being immersed in nature.
Yes, I wanted to get pictures of those ducks! And, I got them…at last. But mostly, I remembered some very important things. Life keeps happening, no matter what we are waiting for at any particular moment. We could miss a lot if we do not pay attention. When you think about it, we are often waiting for something to happen, and in the meantime, our lives are going by.
Sometimes, in the midst of our waiting, we get incredible surprises as well; the stuff of our dreams may appear! While we are waiting for one thing to occur, something even better comes along.
It is good to dream, and work at making our dreams come true. Dreams are different for everyone, so we must choose our own carefully. Then, as we work, and as we wait, we must enjoy where we are…chances are good, there is a whole lot to celebrate right here and now.
Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”
Great lesson, great story and great scripture Linda. Most of us are not wired to wait…very long. As a follower of Jesus I am still at the “are we there yet?” stage
I know for myself, it is very hard to wait for things. However, much of life is really putting one foot in front of the other, and doing the next ‘best thing’. Knowing God is guiding those steps, even when we do not see the big picture, is reassuring. Along the way, there is so much joy!
What’s that old saying, “Life is what happens while we are waiting for something to happen?” It’s so true! Thanks for the reminder to value every moment.
Yes! The little moments add up to a wonderful life. 🙂
Reading this essay was a lovely and uplifting way to start my day.
I am glad it was uplifting! I hope you have a great week! 🙂
Thank you, Linda! I hope you have a good week as well.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Beautiful pics. I can almost hear the audio from them. Your thoughts remind me of a song some 20 years ago called “In The Waiting” which spells out God’s workings in our lives while we seemingly hover in our days, months, years. I God’senjoyed this. God’s grip. – Alan
God is always working in our lives, even in the small details. We get caught up sometimes, wanting to have everything figured out.That is not how life works. We make our plans, but then, we must turn it over to God…His plans are always the best plans. He, and only He, knows what is best for us, and He is the only one who can counsel us on the best use of our time.
very wise words from one so young … an old soul!
and even wiser that you listened 🙂 lovely shots
It is amazing what we learn from children! The saying about, ‘out of the mouths of babes’, is so true. Perhaps, it is because they tend to live in the moment, and simple express what they are feeling.
yes and to think we change those endearing qualities …
We should hold onto that childhood trait of living in the moment! 🙂
and being rawly honest 🙂
So true! Children tell it as it is!
and I find that most endearing … we adults have layers of filters that turn to lies
When my first-born son was about three years old, he said to my father, “Grandpa, you are a really old guy. (My father had not yet turned sixty.) I told my son that was not a nice thing to say to his grandfather. My father laughed and laughed. “No, that is okay for him to say. He is telling the truth. I like that.”
nice story, to a child twenty seems ancient 🙂
Yes! 🙂 🙂 🙂