…while he was eating with
them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift
my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.” Acts 1.4
Jesus is talking to the
disciples and He is telling them to stay put, to remain where they are and
wait. In waiting, they will then receive the gift promised by the Father. This
gift is the Holy Spirit.
These words of waiting speak to
me. So often I am wanting “to go”. Yet Jesus could well be telling me to wait.
In waiting, I can let God do what He wants to, in me and with me. As I wait, I
may receive gifts that He has for me and, further, by waiting I might realise
more completely my receiving of those gifts and their purpose.
Waiting is no idle occupation,
nor is it a waste of time. Waiting is spending time with God and, as I allow it
and give time and space to Him, it will be rich and enriching time. I see it,
not as waiting for God and impatiently wishing for time to pass and His gift to
me to be declared. Rather I see a waiting on
God, or waiting upon Him. This is a time of communion and communication with
Him, a time of sharing and mutual enjoyment. It fosters intimacy. Indeed,
without giving time and waiting on Him, I cannot grow in Him and into Him.
Waiting time is not wasted
time. Waiting time is precious, God-filled moments of relating, and
belonging.
Holy Father,
I wait upon You. I
rejoice in this time I have to sit at Your feet and simply be with You. I
relish this time and give myself fully to it. How precious it is to know You. I
thank You for Your gracious acts of drawing me to You and assuring me of Your
presence at all times.
If You would speak to
me, I am attentive. May I hear You clearly and be willing to follow in anything
You may ask of me. Should You have any gifts for me, I will most happily
receive them, and ask You to lead me in using and sharing them.
Let us sit together
now as I wait upon You. I praise and thank You. Amen.
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