FOODFORTHOUGHT

The timer on the wall behind the counter ticked away the seconds as
my food order was filled. Before the cashier handed me the sack with
my lunch in it, sixty-three seconds had ticked away. During that time
there was not much I could do but wait. Yet, those seconds were a
time filled with coordinated activity. That waiting period of time
was a time of preparation. I was in "The Meantime".


The Meantime is a peculiar time. It is wrought with new experiences,
anticipation, hope, and sometimes anxiety. It is a time in which we
may see hints of progress, but we have not seen the manifestation of
the the final results.


Our tendency when we are in the Meantimethe time of preparationis to
grow impatient. The temptation is for us to find a short cut to our
desired end. However, it is in the meantime that we are given
experience, perspective, understanding, and insight that will aide in
the successful execution of our purpose. It is In the meantime that
our relationship with God is deepened, skills are enhanced,
relationships are formed, and our personal capacity is expanded.


While in the Meantime, it is important to communicate with God.
Sometimes we may not understand, or know how to do, what He has
instructed. That's okay. The Bible tells us in James chapter 1 verse
5 that we can ask God for the wisdom we lack, and He will freely give
us the wisdom we need.


Second, do the things that are known. Learning new lessons, and
practicing lessons learned are keys to success. As we do the things
we know how to do, we will have the personal satisfaction of knowing
that we have done the best that we can do.


Third, rely on our Source to fill in the gaps, and accept God's
provision with thanksgiving. As God coordinates activity, He may use
people or methods we do not expect. Remember, His ways are not our
ways, so we should not rely solely on human logic, or attempt to
manipulate our source of blessing.


Finally, do good deeds for others. When opportunities to help,
encourage, or otherwise benefit someone else arise, and it is
accompanied with the desire and the capacity to do itjust do it.
Every good thing comes from God. So as we wait on God to work on our
behalf, we should let God work through us, by doing good for others.


Contributed by Sonia Jackson: sonia.jackson@excellentwoman.net Sonia
is a wife, mother, speaker, and founder of Excellent Woman, Inc. a
non-profit organization for the development of character, courage,
and commitment.

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