Wait For It

One of the most challenging things that we face as we follow Jesus down the Lenten path is our fear of uncertainty, particularly as it relates to our future.  

Far too many of us spend too much of our present wrapped in shrouds of dread and anxiety over what we don't know about tomorrow.  

And we try to plan ahead, to make ourselves secure, to prepare for whatever might be headed our way, but even those tasks seem to bring with them their own unique sets of worries.  

You know you are in the midst of that kind of stress when you stare at your all-too full calendar and begin to despair at how busy you are, and how little margin you have if something unforeseen happens.  

Author Leo Buscaglia once wrote, "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorry, it only saps today of its joy."  I feel like I need to have that quote posted on every computer screen, mirror and TV in my house.  

As we journey behind Jesus through this season of Lent, we are challenged to "walk by faith and not by sight." We are encouraged to trust that Jesus has indeed prepared a place for us up ahead, even though our current vantage point doesn't let us see it yet.  

I read this beautiful poem by Judy Brown this morning, and I thought I would share it.  The poem is entitled "Trough." It describes that moment when you're paddling or swimming in the ocean and a large wave blocks your sight of anything but the wave itself.  

You have a choice in that instant:  You can panic, and begin paddling faster, or you can rest and wait until it passes, and you can see clearly.  

There is a trough in the waves, a low spot where the horizon disappearsand only skyand waterare our company

And there we lose our wayunlesswe rest, knowing the wave will bring usto its crest again.  

If you are having a hard time with worry about the future... If you are filled with dread over the uncertainty of tomorrow... take this moment in your Lenten journey to pause, rest and trust that the way forward will be made clear.  

May you discover anew what it means to trust that Jesus knows the way you are going, even if you don't.  May you practice letting go of your anxiety and fear of what comes next, and simply rest for a moment in what is now.  

And may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always. Amen.