God's 'To Do' List May Look a Bit Different Than Mine

My middle child, Emerson, takes a dance class at one of the local community centers. In December, she had her first dance recital. As her teacher started off the recital, she introduced her beautiful family and then said a few words about how they, as Christians, celebrate the birth of Christ and what a beautiful thing it was for God to give his son Jesus for us. It was short and sweet, but it was very well-put, and I came away thinking I would send her an encouraging email that week, just thanking her for her boldness. I know it took guts to say that in front of such a large and diverse group, and it was apparent that she allowed God to speak gentle words through her. Nothing was offensive to those who may have different beliefs. It was just quite clear what her beliefs are. Anyway, life, of course, got busy that week, and I never took time to send that email. Well, I ended up being the last one there after class today, and she sat down in the hall with me for a moment. It came to my mind that I hadn't ever sent that email, so I took a moment to let her know my thoughts. She thanked me for encouraging her in that, and then she asked if I knew how the enemy sometimes will put little thoughts in your head. She went on to say that she had been lying in bed last night, and she just kept thinking about those things she had said at the recital. She said she just felt like someone was saying, "How dare you bring your personal life into this?" and "Why would you say those things in front of all those people?" I told her I had intended to email her that a few weeks ago, but that it sounded like God wanted to save that encouragement for just this moment when she needed it. We both got chills thinking about this. His timing is so very perfect, even in the smallest of things such as this conversation. Who knew that three weeks later she would be second guessing those perfectly spoken words. He did! His timing is so perfect. In life, I am waiting on several things to happen. What happened today was a great reminder that He really does have His hand in it all, even the tiniest of things. So I let go, and I trust that His timing will always be better than mine. Even thought I can't possibly fathom at times why my way isn't best, it feels so much better to truly let go and trust that He has it all under control. And someday I'll probably look back and say, "Ah-ha! That is why he wanted me to wait."

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Eccl. 3:1