Embracing the Waiting Room

May 4, 2009

Taken from the book: “The Waiting Room” by Carrie George

At one time or another, we are all in this place – the waiting room. Over the years, I have learned that waiting is not so much about where it will take me, but rather how I would respond to it.  When I embraced the vision of the waiting room as a special place to grow, designed uniquely for my needs, it became a special retreat, a secret place where my thoughts would be tested and tried by His Word and through prayer.

As I accepted our course, and surrendered to the journey, beautiful things began to spring forth from my soul.

Our destiny had been charted, our course was set.  This would be a journey across unchartered territory for our family….one which required faith, perseverance, hope, and prayer    NEVER GIVE UP!.  

Life is a looking glass

which no one dares to see

for fear it will burden them

and shatter in their hands

(Excerpt from my high school poetry book)

Stars that shinneth down from there, 

cast a thought, into the minds so bare.

Let all rejoice one day to dare….

recognize the nightly air.

Walking alone

out in the fields

Thinking aloud

amongst all of nature.

Crying in pain

for someone to hear!

But only echoes….

through the ears

of Loneliness ~

Carrie

Walking along the soft, sandy beach, I am warmed by the exquisite sensation of tiny grains of sand squishing between my toes.  Relishing the delicate caress of the ocean breeze on my face and the sound of the pounding surf, I feel my body relax.  Tension fades as each wave washes away a cluster of concerns, releasing the captivity of my worried soul to soar high above my cares.

Climbing the empty lifeguard tower, I enjoy the entertainment my feathery friends are providing.  The dispute is finally settled, the entire mound of chips is devoured, and the only sound remaining is the rhythmic cadence of the ocean waves crashing upon the shore.

After several moments of quiet contemplation, I notice a coin lying next to me on the wooden platform of this weathered tower.  I pick up the piece, turning it over to examine its inscription.  It reads: “Republica Slovenia”  and then I smile as I remember.   A few months before, I had asked the Lord what country He wanted me to pray for, one whose name may not be one I’ve thought of before.  Gazing at the coin, I realize His answer has come.   So I take out my pen and notebook from my backpack and write what is flowing my heart to say……

Beyond your street lies a world out there…broken, shattered, scarred.  Deepest longings stir their faith, though every breath is hard.

I challenge you to join me now; I urge you all to pray…

For this country, for their lost, for hope to pave their way.

Dare to be one chosen: for a time such as this.  Alone in your prayer closet, travail for another’s man’s wish.

A wish for freedom, a dream of hope, longing for better days.  For hungry children, broken homes, ashes in their grave.

Asking God in heaven, what on earth should we then say?

God Bless Republica Slovenia!  I will carry your burden each day.  As I reach and feel  this coin I’ve found;  I will remember you and pray! 

“Father, keep them from harm, protect them, and hide them in the shadow of your wings.  Feed them, comfort them, warm them Lord, with the blanket of Your Peace!”

Shalom….

Carrie George

Observe the mountains and the trees; see the changing colors.  Notice that each tree remains the same, even though its outer appearance has been transformed.   “For I hold the foundation of the trees’ roots firmly in the ground, so that the changing of the seasons cannot uproot the tree, but rather…adds character and age to its’ trunks.”

Vibrant yellows, golds, rust, purple have replaced the soothing and peaceful shade of green for a time, for a new season is upon us.  And yet the tree accepts its course of change, by yielding and surrendering, henceforth showing its brilliant colors.

The Spirit of the Lord showed me that we too are in a season of change; some being called to leadership, some are called to action, laying down their lives for others, while some are led to a path of simplicity: learning to obey and follow the leading of the Spirit.  Some are in a season of weeping, some in a season of peace and joy.  Remember how the tree’s roots are firmly planted in the ground so that the changing of seasons cannot uproot its foundation?   We too, need to be firmly planted in Christ, so that the changing of seasons in our lives cannot uproot our foundation in Christ.

As the trunk takes on the lines of character and age, we too, take on a stronger character and receive the wisdom that comes forth after weathering the storms of life.  God would have us to wear the vibrant colors which are pleasing to Him than to wither away, dry up and turn brown because we were not prepared for them.

Originally written 9-2-89

The Aroma of Christ Series

Part 3

January 17, 2009

Today started a wee bit early for me, like 3:30 a.m.! In the quietness of the dark morning hour, I sat on our comfy brown sofa and pondered the journey of our younger son. Sometimes, we need the dark in order to see the light.

A quote I came across today: “You need both blessings and difficulties, because one without the other is neither.”

Looking back, it’s clear to see that every mountain of medical issues our son has been forced to climb; the ascent has only strengthened his legs and enlarged his faith, with time.

His journey has had a similar effect on my faith, as well. Perhaps his courageous response to each situation has caused me to grow in the deepest place of my heart. I have learned by his example, that we have a choice as to how we respond. He has shown me how to live out the Scripture, “that we can know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him…” Phil. 3:10 It’s not done by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit. Kevin’s walk in the unity of the bond of the Spirit empowers him to flow in the fullness of God’s grace.

I gain insights from imagery – learning simple truths by observing nature. Today while out walking, the trees seemed to preach a sermon to me. I was reminded that Believers in the bible are sometimes represented as trees, just as Jesus is referred to as our Oak of Righteousness. As I gazed at the tree, I couldn’t help but notice the enormous roots above the ground’s surface, which made me wonder just how deeply the root system reached below. That is when I began to feel a stirring in my heart, the message that the tree was trying to communicate to me: I am to send forth my tap root, deep down past the water table, to draw from the true source of Living Waters.

My son has learned to scale the mountains well. The joy of the Lord is his strength, his peace is like a river, Jehovah Nissi is the Lord his Banner. He has learned to hide in the shadow of El Shaddai’s wings and to build his foundation upon the Rock. The sweetest fragrance of all has come from his fellowship of sharing in his suffering. The aroma of Christ permeates the walls of his heart and the atmosphere of our lives. That’s why I call him: “Kevin from heaven.”

I received the most exquisite Christmas surprise ever!  My son Jason and his girlfriend Nathalie walked through the door of my father’s home on Christmas night- all the way from Italy!  For two weeks, we enjoyed laughing, telling stories, visiting with family and touring all over Los Angeles.  This morning, they arrived home safely, exhausted but filled with good memories.  Today, I want to share the hug, which I’ll treasure forever.

I had been preparing, or was it bracing(?) myself, for our final good byes with Jason and Nathalie. I kept sensing that the joy of the Lord would be my strength – if I would choose to focus on Him and his ways.

Today as I was held in Jason’s arms, the love of the Lord in our midst was so strong and sweet, that I simply could do nothing more than draw from the deep well of love between us as mother and son. I drank in the sweetness of the tender moment of our embrace, knowing it would have to keep me filled for a while. I am praising the Lord with a song in my heart for the blessing of these past two weeks with my son and Nathalie.

Of course the tears came, but not until after we pulled away, I was grateful for that. But the amazing thing is, I am not wallowing in sadness. I continue to be filled with joy. When I read this verse – preprinted on the bottom page of my journal, I knew it was God’s Word for me today: 1-09-09:

“You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.” Acts 2:28

When I choose to gaze upon His face, His ways, and His heart….I can feel His Presence in the midst of all things. Focusing on Him instead of sadness, praising Him for the blessing instead of regretting the time apart, has brought so much joy to my heart today that I just wanted to shout a PRAISE TO HIM together with my friends!

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve received an enormous blessing, a Christmas surprise.   My son and his girlfriend walked in the door Christmas Night, all the way from italy!  I may not have an opportunity to post for the next Aroma of Christ Series for another week or so.  My time is full and my heart is blessed!  See you soon….thanks for checking in.