purpose in the wait

I can manage waiting, Lord, if the wait has purpose.  If the wait is worthwhile.  If you are working while I wait.

Waiting just for waiting's sake is painful, and although some might say character building, I would say empty waiting is maddening.

I have such a sense of urgency on my heart.  My children are waiting for me.  They are without a family, without an education, without a warm bed and a full meal...without a book and a kiss goodnight...they are waiting.  Why are they still waiting?  Can't we step up the pace?  How much longer do they have to wait?  How much longer do I have to wait?  I need to go get them.

I know...deep down...your timing is perfect.  A friend once told me, "God is making sure you get the right kids...in his timing it will all be perfect."  And I love that.  I appreciate that perspective.  Unfortunately, as days wear on and weeks and months pile up, it does not soothe my anxiety and urgency to bring my children home.

We need them here.  We need their smiles and their laughter.  Our home is not yet whole...my heart is not yet full.  We need to sing "Happy Birthday" a few more times this year...have a few more pairs of shoes in the closet...and squeeze a few more chairs around the kitchen table.  We need them here, Lord.

And as great as my need to wait no longer is, I trust you.  I trust this process is all in your perfect timing...a timing beyond my understanding.  There is purpose in the wait...I have to trust in that truth.  You are moving...whether I see it each day or not.  Hearts are being prepared, homes are being touched and you are working in the wait.

So, as we continue to wait, equip us.  Equip us as parents for all that is ahead.  Prepare us as a family to grow, change and impact your kingdom.  Protect us in the wait from the evil one's whispers of doubt and despair.  Enable us to wait for as long as you deem necessary...for as long as it takes until we are blessed to wait no longer.  Until we are holding our sweet, precious children in our arms.