When God says, “Wait,” we can control only two things: how we wait and who we become along the way. __Elizabeth Laing Thompson
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It’s always something. If it’s not waiting for your soulmate, it’s waiting for your kids to become independent, or waiting to retire, or waiting for your manuscript to be ready for publication.
I’ve just started reading the book, When God Says Wait, by Elizabeth Thompson. It’s easy to read with well-fictionalized biblical stories, personal stories from the author, and simple exercises at the end of each chapter. I sure could’ve used this book 15 years ago when I was wondering if I’d ever fall in love again, if I’d ever find a partner who’d be a good fit. Still, the messages about “navigating life’s detours and delays” clearly relate to my life now.
Finishing the manuscript for Trust the Timing (see my Work in Progress page) has taken a lot longer than I ever imagined, though I’m getting closer every day. Fortunately, waiting to publish and not rushing have allowed me to work through questions about my own history and about how much of other people’s history to include.
This has been a struggle. Early in the writing process, I was encouraged to dig deeper and to show more scenes, which is fine if you’re writing fiction, and okay when it comes to my own baggage, but not so comfortable when it comes to other people’s baggage, or what I call OPB. Even with name changes and changes in identifying characteristics, there has been an uneasiness about exposing some OPB. Earlier drafts have more OPB, and I’ve deleted and softened quite a bit of that. Yet, there are some pieces of OPB that are important to the story. This is one of the big challenges of writing a memoir.
I’ve been praying hard for guidance every time open the manuscript document. It’s helped to ask this question:
What does God want me to write?
Things often become clear when I ask that question, or some version of it, and then listen to my gut. God often talks to me through my gut. Sometimes God whispers in my ear. But I have to be quiet and open to get the message.
Waiting gives God time to work things out in us and others. Waiting gives us time to become who we are meant to be, to become ready for our heart’s desire. After all, that’s what my book is about. It seems to be my life-long lesson. And I’m learning, slowly but surely.
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What are you waiting for? What helps you wait?
Anything is Possible! 
March 9, 2017 at 9:30 pm
I thank God that He told me to wait a few years ago. Waiting not only kept me from making a decision that I would have greatly regretted, but waiting also gave me a brand new perspective – one that changed my life. Waiting is the key ingredient to many of life’s problems. Now, you’ve got me interested in reading the book.
March 9, 2017 at 11:11 pm
Isn’t it amazing how time changes our perspective? I’m happy things worked out the way the did, for both of us!
March 10, 2017 at 8:05 am
Waiting is never easy but what helps me is looking back at far I’ve come. Community has helped me too in my current season as well as spending more time in the word and spending time with God. I agree with that quote, God is able to use us in new ways when we allow him control over our lives. When we are patient and choose to wait on his best for our lives <3. That sounds like a great book, I'll have to check it out.
March 10, 2017 at 10:01 am
These are all excellent ways to wait. Spending time with God has given me strength and comfort. I hope my book will be out by April, but I’m giving control of that to God. Thanks for the insights and ideas, Blessing.
March 11, 2017 at 6:39 am
You are welcome and when it comes out, please let us know 🙂
March 11, 2017 at 7:44 am
I will. Stay tuned! 🙂
March 10, 2017 at 10:09 am
Reblogged this on Loving Me, Too and commented:
Loving me, too, means learning to trust the timing.
March 10, 2017 at 5:00 pm
Thanks so much for reading and sharing, JoAnne! Best wishes as you finish your book—I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
March 10, 2017 at 6:33 pm
You are most welcome, Lizzy. I appreciate your support!
March 10, 2017 at 11:59 pm
I like what TheFallibleQueen said, waiting is an opportunity for me to look back at how far I’ve come. Sometimes waiting can be a source of anxiety, but I try to file that as “uncertainty”, and sometimes waiting can be about possibilities and that is when I file it under “giving myself permissions to dream”. Sometimes, I think we just need to step back for a moment and think what is the waiting actually about – and how much and who has control. Allowing things to be is a great place to get to, if you can and maybe getting there – as they say is part of the adventure. Blessings, Harlon
March 11, 2017 at 11:17 am
Oooh. I like your filing system! uncertainty leads to possibility and permission to dream! Blessings and hugs to you, Harlon.
March 12, 2017 at 12:26 pm
Waiting can be one of the most trying moments in our lives. I am thankful that when God says wait, he gives the grace for patience because sometimes I feel that I want to run faster than I’m doing.
March 12, 2017 at 9:49 pm
Thank God for Grace and Patience!
March 16, 2017 at 10:13 am
such a beautiful topic…and yes waiting brings out the true colors of all those who supposedly are part of your journey in life!
March 17, 2017 at 7:53 am
Thank you! Well said about the true colors!