Next Please

Next, please! How often do we want to hear those words in life? Next in line at the grocery store, next in line to get your movie ticket, next in line to grab that delicious cup of coffee that we so desperately need. Or how about a next please I need a new chapter to start in life, please!! But what about the now? What about the in-between moments that seem insignificant, but in reality, there is much to be taught, learned, experienced, and seen? As much as I want the next please moment, the Lord has been teaching me about the in-betweens.

In 2 Peter 3:8 it says this, "So, dear friends, don't let this one thing escape your notice: a single day counts like a thousand years to the Lord Yahweh, and a thousand years counts as one day. This means that, contrary to man's perspective, the Lord is not late with his promise to return, as some measure lateness." Clearly, the Lord isn't worried about time like we often are. His loving kindness wants for us to trust him in the process of things. That "next please" that we want, is not always in our best interest despite what we may think. Nine times out of ten, the Lord has something for us to learn in the in-between moments before we are ready for the next please chapter. It's in the small acts of obedience that seem minor to you, that could play a major part for those around you, or a specific person that the Lord has laid upon your heart. For example, over the weekend I was away at a women's retreat that my mother-in-love asked me to come to join her at. But I was also asked to speak for one of the sessions as well, which was a total honor for me! Now, can I be honest? I had the thought that as much as I was going to speak, I didn't really expect to go and get much out of it. *insert cringe moment here* Please hear me, I wasn't being negative by any means, I knew the retreat was based upon rest, and I simply thought that I would get that rest and refreshing by being with women of likemindedness. But I wasn't really expecting this big epiphany or wow moment with the Lord. Obviously, the Lord took this as a challenge for my foolish heart, and man did he show me! I was geared up to speak on the last morning, and I told the Lord to move and speak through me because it was not about me in the least. It was a beautiful time, and the women seemed to soak up what He had placed on my heart. After I was done, we had one more session, and then it was time for lunch and pack-up time. As I was putting up my things, one of the women approached me with tears in her eyes, expressing the struggle that she had in coming that weekend. And she told me that as I had shared something with the gals that weekend, she knew the Lord wanted her to come specifically for me, to share something extremely special and dear to her heart with me. And wow, let me tell you, there were some confirmations for me in that intimate heart-to-heart moment and the Lord confirmed some things for me. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it because if I had not taken the time for that in-between moment, I would have completely missed a blessing from the Lord! So, a lesson learned for me, anywhere and everywhere I go, I should go with an expectant heart because the Lord is always wanting to show up in the least expected.

I want to share one more example because it's one I've had a front-row VIP seat on. My husband, as many of you know, is an artist. But not just any ol' artist, he is a jack of all trades and a master at his craft. I remember back when we first started dating which was a few years ago, he expressed the desire to move from doing mostly cabinet refinishes, to doing mural art. He was able to get a few incredible pieces done around the town that he grew up in and still lives in, and my goodness it was a wildly exciting ride to see him in his element. He had so much joy and truly loved the experience, even if it did come with its challenges as most things do. But then, nothing. It was as if it was just a teaser for him, and it wasn't for lack of trying on his part. A few things came up but they fell through the cracks, or things just didn't line up. I watched him, I watched him go through many different waves of emotion, confusion, frustration, anger, sadness, discouragement, the whole shebang. But I also saw him continue on with the work that was put before him, thanking the lord for that work, praying over the places he worked in, trusting the lord even though he didn't understand. I saw his faith put into action. Fast forward to now, and the Lord has opened up some incredibly amazing doors for him to do some custom mural art in the schools he grew up in. And the doors just keep on opening for him in that mural department. I encouraged him with a scripture that the lord had placed on my heart for him. Proverbs 3:1-4, "My child, if you truly want a long and satisfying life, never forget the things that I've taught you. Follow closely every truth that I've given you. Then you will have a full, rewarding life. Hold on to loyal love and don't let go, and be faithful to all that you've been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity, with truth written upon your heart. That's how you will find favor and understanding with both God, and men -- you will gain the reputation of living life well." You see, my husband could've become bitter, and grown discontent with what was being given to him on the job front, but instead, he chose to be faithful with what was given to him because he knew the Lord was faithful with His promises that if he was faithful with the little, more would be given to him. And the Lord did just that! I've seen him come home with a newfound sense of joy and contentment, a zeal for the gift that was given to him for his faith and trust in the Lord. It was in the in-between that the lord was working on the Next Please for him.

I say all these things to encourage you, to stir up your faith. The Lord wants to see what you will do in the in-betweens and the unknowns, to steady and ready you for the Next Please chapter that is being prepared for you. His promises for you are solid, and they are not swayed by anything. They are carefully being crafted by the ultimate artist, who has time on his side. So know this, when you say YES to the Next Please, just know that there is much beauty in the in-betweens, you just have to look for it. So grab your cup of coffee, and enjoy the journey before your Next Please chapter!