Walking….and Waiting

I met Carlos and Jose several years ago along the well-rehearsed trails of the George Deukmejian Wilderness Park tucked away in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. They were regulars. So was I. Whenever our paths would cross, I was treated by big smiles (the kind that emanate from big hearts) and kind words of greeting.

Without fail, each time I would see them I was pulled into some moments of personal reflection. You see, Carlos, the father, whom I would guess to be in his 80’s, walks a VERY slow pace (and for my part, a frustratingly slow pace). But what causes me
to pause and reflect (along with a healthy dose of conviction) is how patiently and willingly Jose, his son, adjusts his preferred pace in order to walk WITH his father.

It’s a beautiful picture. And the point is obvious.

One of the quintessential challenges of life and leadership is keeping pace, moving in step with the Father. Mark it down. Post it on the bathroom mirror.

But there’s a problem. A big one. Maybe you can relate. I happen to like my pace. I prefer my pace. I want my pace.

But when I choose my pace, I choose poorly. I choose to walk alone. And that’s a bad call.

Why is it that God’s pace, God’s timing is so much slower than my own? While I don’t have it all figured out, what I have figured out is that when it comes to God’s pace, if you poke around long enough you start bumping into the word “wait”. A lot. Check out Psalms. This four-letter word seems to show up with (annoying) regularity. See for yourself.

• Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help (Psalm 27:14).
• Wait and trust the Lord (Psalm 37:7).
• Wait for the Lord’s help and follow Him (Psalm 37:34).
• I waited patiently for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry (Psalm 40:1).
• Let all that I am wait quietly before God (Psalm 62:5).
• I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope (Psalm 130:5).

The message is pretty clear. God’s time economy is well-documented. Not a lot of room for debate.

As you run the game film of your life and leadership, where do you need to adjust your pace? What decisions are you pounding through, pushing through that need more thought, more counsel, more prayer?

Perhaps God has you sitting down in His “waiting room”. Will you accept this as His timeline for this chapter of life?

You see, when you wait on the Lord and walk HIS pace, then you choose well. You choose to walk the trails of life WITH your Father. Enjoying His company. Experiencing His guidance. Benefitting from His wisdom.

And, oh yes, arriving right on time.