Right on Schedule

Do you like waiting? Maybe not. In a fast paced world like ours, we are hardwired to want everything now. Immediately. In an instant. When God asks us to wait for something important to us -- a child to be conceived, a promotion we feel is overdue, a painful trial to be over — time appears to stand still and we wallow in sadness, anxiety, and disappointment. But did you know? As you wait, God isn’t only getting things ready for you, He is also getting YOU ready for them. Let go and have faith. Trust that His timing is impeccable, not a moment early or late. Don’t worry, what is meant for you will come right on schedule. And when it’s finally there, you will know why the wait was necessary.

Remain Humble

Don’t let your status, accomplishments, money, or influence get to your head. Life is neither a race nor a show, and it is much more than one’s list of great exploits and accolades. When God sends you to the top, don’t let your soul leave the ground. Don’t feed your ego by believing you’re a VIP. Don’t think you’re better than everyone else because you’re not. There will always be someone smarter, faster, or more powerful. Treat people with equal kindness, respect, and courtesy regardless of social status. In the throes of triumph, strive to remain humble knowing that every success story is from the Lord.

Don't Blink

Do you ever stare at your children and say, ‘where did the time go’? Because in just the blink of an eye, they’re a little taller, a little older, a little more different. So be present in the moment. Put your phone down. Play with them. Study their faces. Hold them and smell them. Listen to their gibberish. Watch them laugh and fight and cry. Applaud their every song and dance. Pay attention to what they say. Get dirty and sticky and sloppy with them. Snuggle and cuddle before you put them to sleep. Read them their favorite story and notice the sparkle in their eye. Remember, the best part of being a parent is in these little, fleeting moments. So be present, try not to blink, and take it all in.

The Grace to Forgive

Has a loved one wronged you? Caused you pain? Broken your trust? It must be very difficult to forgive, especially during moments when you remember the hurt. But you know what I realized? I cannot go back to my happy, peaceful state if I keep on scratching the wound and reliving my pain. I have to let go, accept the past, and move forward. The wound will leave a scar that could remind me of the pain, but it could also remind me of my strength and my love. Love that made me pursue healing rather than punishment, compassion rather than anger, forgiveness rather than hatred.