The Fullness of Time

But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman.
—Galatians 4:4

Waiting is not something most people do very well. You probably never took a course called “How to Wait 101”! Yet it is a life skill you must master, or it masters you! Waiting is, at times, something that you tolerate, endure, or maybe even embrace with hope and promise.

Waiting has the power to slow down the march of time so seconds seem as hours, days seem as weeks, and weeks like months. It is that space between anticipation and realization that we each experience to some degree every day. Stop lights, phone calls, standing in line to get an elevator, waiting for a diagnosis, waiting for word on the outcomes of surgery, lab test or x-ray.

When you wait, it seems that everyone around you could have the answer, so you hopefully look to them for help…for a while.
A couple of years ago, my wife, Cathy, and I attended the dedication for one of the Habitat for Humanity homes that we had helped build. We met the new owner, Meghan and her family, and lots of other helpers who crowded into the living room. A County Commissioner was there and spoke about the power of a community focused on helping and making a difference. She didn’t have to say much as the smiles and hugs spoke louder than you could imagine!
How do you wait for a home? The impossible dream for a family challenged by the circumstances of life, like a broken marriage or single income. Meghan prayed about a home and spoke with the folk from Habitat to see if one might be available. “We we will put you on the list,” was her answer.

No timeline, just the list.

Meghan prayed each day for her family’s home to be not just a dream but a reality. She called every week to check on what she was sure could happen.

One week Habitat said, “Interesting thing happened…a property just became available and we now have to seek funding and work crews to build it.”

Meghan never lost a step. She freshened up her application and took the classes necessary. Wonder of wonders, two sponsors stepped forward and the rest of the help followed in short order. The request for help went out and our sister hospital in Kansas provided 70+  associates who over three days worked alongside other volunteers and made a huge difference.

Meghan waited for a long time for her family’s home. She didn’t wait though; she did something while she waited. She prayed, she called, she engaged in helping her dream be real and never lost hope throughout it all. And in the fullness of time, it came to pass.

What are you looking for? Waiting for in your life, your home, your work, your clinic or unit? What are the patients in the room waiting for—hoping for?

Waiting is so much more bearable when you are not alone, but have confidence and trust in God’s providence and wisdom,  when you can surround yourself with friends and family.

Go be the face of hope by listening, praying, and encouraging others and in the fullness of time. Something special will unfold!