Waiting

So…it’s been a bit longer since the last blog. I’ve been busy. I know you don’t what I’ve been doing. That’s because I just get on with it and you don’t see it. But, for the record there’s been a lot of planning services (they come thick and fast over the Christmas period), lots of writing various talks, spending time in Chaplaincy work and a few other things! It’s actually a busy time. but a time when I didn’t get to write a blog. Sometimes waiting is hard isn’t it? Waiting for the next blog (assuming anyone actually does that!) Waiting for Christmas - especially when we’re young! One of the things I find really hard is waiting for God. So often, I find myself waiting for something to happen. Or I find myself waiting for God to speak in some way. And, if I’m honest most of the time it seems like nothing is happening. Here’s a thought: did you now that’s really common for the people pf God? Did you know that between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of New Testament there is a gap of about 400 years? We don’t have a record of what happened in those years and we might think God was not at work. And, when God does make himself known in his coming as a vulnerable baby, most people miss it. They have no idea what God is doing. They have waited so long for God to make himself known, they have waited so long for God to act, and yet, when he does, they miss it. How is that possible? Hmmm. I think that before I pass judgement, I should take a good look at myself. Is it not possible that I can do exactly the same thing: that I can wait for God and yet miss his coming? Perhaps I give up looking. Perhaps I decide he is doing nothing. Perhaps I decide what it would look like if God did turn up and so when he turns up in a unexpected way, I’m not ready. I think it’s entirely possible that I can do all of those things. And oddly, it is God who does the most waiting. He is waiting for me, always. He is waiting for me to come to him again. He is waiting for me to open my heart to his love again. He is waiting for me to give up my pride. He is waiting for me to accept him on his terms, not mine. He is waiting to shower his love on me. He is waiting to help me, to guide me. He is waiting to give me peace and joy. He is waiting…for me. And he is waiting for you. The baby in a manger teaches us that God is shockingly accessible. And close. Perhaps God is waiting for you this Christmas. He can wait. He will wait. He’s not in a rush. He waits…for you. If you seek him, you will find him. Happy Christmas!