Vol. 21 No. 04 | January 28, 2019

Traffic delays. Flight delays. Package delivery delays…

No one likes delays, especially when they are because of someone else’s lack of planning or poor judgment.

Most of us don’t plan for delays, just like the airline attendants didn’t plan for my delayed flight.

But delays are inevitable, right? And the sooner we accept this, the easier it will be to make the best of the situation for everyone involved.  

As my fellow travelers and I waited for our flight to leave the terminal (interesting name for a place where we are always waiting), we each had different reactions. Some used the time to get work done, some found a place on the floor for a nap…and some grew increasingly irritated. The latter passed the time repeatedly complaining to the airline attendants, even though the flight crew was keeping us updated and were all extremely pleasant. I’m sure the crew was just as anxious to get us on our way, especially those who were complaining.

I think one of the keys to surviving delays without losing our sanity is to have something productive or fulfilling to do. For instance, if you have a child who is getting irritable because their playdate is late, maybe help them fill the time by playing a game, reading a book, or taking a walk. (Note: these activities are equally effective when we find ourselves annoyed and impatient because of delays.)

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I chose to dedicate this week’s topic on “delays” because, not only did it fill my time while I was waiting, but it also assured me that I won’t delay getting these words to my editor. And sure enough, when the wait was over, I felt more productive and less stressed than if I would have sat waiting impatiently or pacing the terminal fuming about the delay.

This experience actually reminded me of how those living in the time of Jesus must have felt as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah. We grow impatient over a ninety-minute flight delay, while people of faith endured four hundred years waiting for Him to appear.

And when He did finally arrive, it was not at all what His followers expected. He wasn’t a King who came to take control of the kingdom. He was a baby who would delay assuming his ministry for thirty years.

The first chapter of the gospel of John reminds us that when He arrived, He came to be with us, to dwell among us. The delay was long and difficult to endure, but it was certainly worth it.

The lesson is this: delays will happen, but they will also come to an end. And waiting for us will be family to greet us, entertaining things to do, projects that will be completed, and delicious meals shared with delightful people…proving once again, if we can learn to endure those “intolerable” delays a little while longer, they will be well worth the wait.

We can even go as far as considering our lives as a temporary delay that will eventually end in a reunion with our loved ones. And we will celebrate joyfully together in the presence of God. This too will definitely be worth the delay.

So, be patient, be productive, have some fun, and do what you can to make the experience better for yourself and those around you.

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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Vol. 21 No. 03 | January 21, 2019

A few weeks ago, my oldest granddaughter, Isabel, was attending a basketball game with her Dad while I was at a different basketball game in another city. Her Dad and I were texting back and forth about the game when I received a text from Isabel.

She texted, “Why…just why.” (Giggles)

I responded, “Because…just because.”

Her response: “That’s funny.”

I smiled, enjoying the first of what I hope to be many texts from my granddaughter(s).

I smile each time I think about our text exchange. And it makes me wonder how many times the word why comes up in everyday conversation.

Curious children love why questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do I have a belly button?” “Why do I have to eat three more bites before I can have ice cream?” “Why can’t I go to bed when I want to?” Why did you tell me to stop asking why?”

We too, ask why, but our questions are often more serious. “Why did my husband leave me and the children?” “Why did my mother have to die when I needed her most?” “Why must I go through life alone?” “Why can’t I find a job?” “Why did our son do what he did?” “Why can’t we get pregnant?” “Why…just why?”

For some questions, there are easy, logical answers that can be explained scientifically, or by referencing the Bible, or learning from the wisdom and experiences of others. But for other questions, the answers don’t come as easily.

In 2 Corinthians 2:8-10, NIV, Paul searched for answers from God, and He provided them.

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

In the song, The Reason for the World, Matthew West and Matthew Joseph explain why they believe we have to endure pain.  

But maybe the reason for the pain
Is so we would pray for strength
And maybe the reason for the strength
Is so that we would not lose hope
And maybe the reason for all hope
Is so that we could face the world
And the reason for the world
Is to make us long for home.

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“Why…just why.” (Giggles)

“Because…just because.”

Sometimes that’s the only answer we have because we won’t understand what God has planned for us until He chooses to reveal it.

And even then, sometimes we just have to accept the outcome. Even when we question His methods, we have to trust that He is always conspiring for our greatest good.

And that, Isabel, is the undisputable answer to your question…

____________

Chick here to order Until Hope Returns.

When you order, please leave a review.                       

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A Norvell Note © Copyright 2019 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved

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