I hated waiting. I glanced out the window for the millionth time in the last half-hour and groaned. Where is he?
To this day my worst pet-peeve is waiting for people to show up to dinner. My mind will angrily scramble about with dozens of reasons for frustration whenever I’m forced to delay serving dinner. Dinner will get cold. Things won’t taste the same. I’m hungry. Don’t they understand how much work it is to get dinner on the table? It’s so very rude not to show up on time.
Tonight was no different. My husband had to go out to another ranch to get some work done so I knew he would be late, but I was still angry about waiting.
I paced about, trying to figure out what to do with myself. I could watch TV, but I just wasn’t in the mood. Perhaps a book? No, I was too agitated to sit still for that. A movie? Absolutely not! The moment I got fifteen minutes in my husband would no doubt show up and want me to rewind.
Going over to window again, I pulled the curtains out of the way and peered outside, willing the headlights to appear in the driveway. Nothing. I sighed. Somewhere in the back bedroom I heard the baby turn over in her crib, making a soft rustling sound. The house was quiet and still. I felt alone.
The heater next to the TV was on and I went over and floated my hands over the warm air. God, what am I supposed to do right now? My mind quickly answered before I even tried to listen to His response. Well, Lora, you know where your to-do list is…
God? What do I do with myself?
I closed my eyes and recognized that pull, that distinct draw from the Holy Spirit, communicating something from my Heavenly Father.
Spend some time with Me.
It came upon me in a wave of understanding. I hopped between tasks like a mad kangaroo each day, anxious to complete a million chores and accomplish a dozen goals. I didn’t ignore God. After all, I had my daily devotional that I studiously pulled out with my coffee. I opened my Bible every Sunday, too. And I shot out prayers like popcorn all throughout my waking hours.
But when did I just sit down and chat with God? Not just pray, but also to listen?
I let out a breath and let the world fall to the background. I let my frustrated thoughts about dinner fade away and I spent some real time with the most important Man of my life. In those blessed minutes He filled me with peace and His grace, and I was reminded of how loved I am by Him. When the sound of the front door brought me back to reality, I acknowledged it with a peaceful smile. I could almost see God smiling back and saying, “Lora, I’m always here, you know.”
And He is always there, waiting and willing us to turn to him in those quiet moments so we will hear his voice. It might be a few seconds as I wait in line at the bank or watch the microwave spin a plate during its cycle. But why look at those moments as wasted time when we could be letting God fill up those blessed spaces.
Dear, Lord, help me find those spaces you blessedly leave unfilled so I can spend some time with you.
by Lora Armendariz, Everyday Miracles
Amy Serrano says
Great message. loved it. very good job. look foward to reading more. Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
Lora Armendariz says
Thank you!
Rosie says
Dear Lora,
thank you for your encouraging message. You’re right. How many moments in which I could talk to God and hear his wonderful voice…, but instead I’m desperate of searching things to fill my lonely, boring time. Sometimes it feels shocking strangely that I need so much time to start to pray and listen to God. But when I give him the time and the silent to speak to me he will speak great and encouraging words.
Now I’m waiting for the next moment without something to work or just to wait, but hear HIS voice.
Be blessed,
Rosie
Lora Armendariz says
Thank you, Rosie. May your day be filled with peace.
Lora
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Rosie,
Still lifting you up in prayer sweetheart!
Bev ((hugs))
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Lora,
God started calling me to spend time with Him in the very early hours of the morning. At first I was frustrated because who wants to be up at 4:30 in the morning? But as time has gone on, I find I really look forward to this “blessed space” with God. He is there all throughout our days – waiting for us to look up from our business in order to drink in the grace that only He offers. Thank you for a wonderful reminder!
Blessings,
Bev
Lora Armendariz says
4:30am…WOW! My first thought would be, “How can your brain even function that early?” But, it is amazing how God provides when we follow His will.
Thank you for the encouragement, Bev. Blessings to you!
Lora
Jessica says
I love the idea of the unfilled spaces being there purposely so we can spend time with Him. Can’t ignore them now!
Charity says
Thanks so much for sharing this powerful word. I am at home alone most days, and too feel Luke He is calling me to connect with Him more instead of filling the silence with noise.
betsydecruz says
This struck a chord with me because I also am impatient when I have to wait for people to come to dinner. Never thought of just plunking myself down at the table with God and having a chat until the others show up! Good word!
Paula McLane Jennings says
What a wonderful reminder. I hate being stuck in traffic. I never realized just how impatient I was until my car broke down (again) and my mechanic loaned me their family van. The horn does not work. I never realized how often I head right for the horn in frustration and just how impatient I can be. Traffic is surely another great time to hang out with the Almighty!
Katherine says
Wow!! This really struck home with me!! I certainly need to take time to listen to God. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Michelle says
Great reminder! Peace comes from moments we inhale the Breath of Life.
Paigetwo says
GREAT!!!!!!!!
Your First Grade Teacher says
Lora,
Thanks for reminding me to spend time talking and listening to the Lord. I have a tendency to be “too busy” for just talking and listening to the Lord. I am going to work at this.
You have grown into an awesome, Christian woman and it makes me proud that you were my student in first and second grades. My the Lord continue to bless you! (I still pull out your CD that you recorded and listen to it once and awhile.)
Mrs. R.
Lora Armendariz says
Thank you! I was so blessed to have you as a teacher and part of my life as I grew up. When I became a teacher I always thought of you. Because of people like you in my life I have a strong faith and relationship with my Heavenly Father. I love knowing that so many children grow up in our community and continue to be blessed by people like you in their lives.
Lolu Hassan says
Oh, this is beautiful. Lord help me to choose spending time with you instead of worrying and being anxious so much. Amen
Beth Williams says
Lora,
I am a very impatient person in general. I guess I should use the time waiting to just sit and listen to God and try to hear His voice while shutting out the world.
Thanks for a great reminder!