I opened up a blank blog post and looked at the clock.  In the span of 11 minutes I typed out these 5 lessons that I’ve learned in recent days.  No editing.  No prior thought.  If you enjoy, perhaps I’ll keep the list going.

#1 Waiting on the Lord is Difficult

For the last two months I’ve read Psalm 130 every day.  The following two verses are of particular interest:

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Psalm 130:5-6

As I wait on the Lord, I constantly fight against my own desires and ambitions.  I overthink.  I stress.  I grow frustrated.  I pout.  I get tempted to take things into my own hands.  I pray for God’s will to be done … as quickly as possible.

#2 Waiting on the Lord is Difficult but Worth It

While I want things done in my own timing, I know that the Lord is never early or late.  He’s always on time.  While I want to do things in my own strength, I know that God created the Heavens and the Earth and holds all things together.  While I want things done according to my plan, I know that God wiser than I can comprehend.  I truly don’t want the things my feeble hands can build or my simple mind can think up.  I desire the things of the Lord.

#3 Parenting is Tough  

I learned this day one on the job but I’ve continued to be reminded of the truth every day since.  My kids are 7 and 3 years old.  Each day I’m confronted with my selfishness and limited skill and knowledge.  Yet, each day I’m comforted by the fact that God gave Abigail and Wesley to me (and Katie, of course).  I pray that I’m a healthy example of faithfulness to Jesus Christ.  I pray that I embody the love that God has for them.  I pray that I nurture them into the woman and man that God has called them to be.

#4 God is Faithful

This seems like a no brainer.  Yet, this truth is both cliche and deeper than the ocean.  In the last year, God provided all the food I needed and also met my deepest spiritual needs.  He never left my side but also allowed me to fail in doing things on my own.  I know plenty of people that are not trustworthy and are hemispheres away from faithful.  God is not counted on that list.

#5  Don’t Believe the Hype

If you watch the news, read the paper, or scroll social media you’ll be led to believe that the world is crashing down.  On top of that, as the world crashes the only thing that remains is doom and gloom.  I don’t believe the hype.  In recent days I’ve seen God move enough times that the state of Texas could not hold records of it all.  I’ve seen disaster halted, situations reversed, lives transformed, and countless things pan out just fine.