IN THE WAITING ROOMS OF LIFE

Let me preface this devotional by saying two things. Number one, I am not a big reader, so most Christian theologians, writers, and authors, I follow their writings on social media. The other statement is, I’m not a writer either. I’m just here sharing my heart and thoughts with you all.

One author who I have followed for years and have read several of her books is Ann Voskamp. Ann is a Canadian author, blogger, and memoirist on themes of Christian women’s spirituality, and author of multiple books. She is a mom to 7 children and wife to Darryl.

This quote is from one of her books:

What if instead of waiting for good things to happen to us, we could be the good thing to happen to someone else who’s waiting?

Aren’t we all in life’s waiting rooms? Waiting for a new job, waiting for the call from the doctor, waiting to be picked for a team, waiting for that friend to call, waiting in line at the grocery store, or just waiting for the next shoe to drop. We are all waiting for something. But what are we doing in that waiting? Are we using that time to bless others or do we find ourselves stressing, grumbling, or maybe getting irritated?

Ann reminds us so clearly in this quote that we can bring sunshine, joy, and the light of Christ to others during some of our most difficult times. How can WE brighten someone else’s day while we are waiting? Perhaps, we call that friend who just lost their spouse and invite them for coffee, maybe we pray for the person who is taking so long with their groceries in the checkout line, or send a note of encouragement to someone who has a broken relationship with a dear family member. By blessing them, I am sure our spirits will also be lifted during our waiting process. Let’s give it a try this week and see what happens.

Prayer

Father God, as we find ourselves in the waiting rooms of life, help us to shine Your light to others during these sometimes lonely or difficult times. Help us to look outside our own circumstances and be a blessing to others. Give us opportunities to bring joy to others this week. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.