In the affluent West, everything is literally at our fingertips.
Our phones give us instant access to anything we might need or want. Our homes are located near all the food we could eat. Even relationships – though they certainly don’t come with guarantees – are only a click away.
Our society of instant gratification, many have argued, has impacted on our stress levels and our ability to listen and have patience with others.
I don’t think ‘wanting it now’ is anything new, even though perhaps we’re indulged and pandered to far more than we’ve ever been. The challenge, whether it’s with food, relationships, technology, or careers, is to become aware of our impatience and learn how to cope when we can’t have what we want right away.
Because where is the true delight – the reward – in having it all, all at once? And what do you do when things don’t happen at the click of a finger?
I’ve known many people who’ve endured the heartache of infertility. There’s a very real agony in seeing everyone around you falling pregnant without a problem when you’ve waited years, gone through the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, and lost so much. My friends have felt very powerless in the grieving, waiting and wondering.
And for many, the desire for a life partner can be all-consuming. It’s hard when there are no guarantees you’ll find someone. If only it were that simple… And even when you do enter a relationship, you just don’t know how it will work out.
The key is working out what we do have control over, and what we simply have to entrust to God.
We really can’t let go of our fears unless we first slow down and acknowledge the love of God in our everyday lives. Focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus for us on the cross, as well as all the everyday love gifts he offers us, builds thankfulness in us. And thankfulness builds trust.
Perhaps we don’t have answers to the big questions about that diagnosis, or that financial problem, or that love interest. But we can ‘count the ways’ He loves us.
And it takes mindfulness to do that. Learning the art of slowing down, taking in, breathing in the gifts of everyday… That takes commitment and focus. But it can be done. Because when we start to really notice and appreciate the little things, sometimes the big things kind of sort themselves out anyway.
Proverbs 13:12 says:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
We’ve all had to wait for things, and for many of us, there’s been much to heal from as well. But we cannot start to live again unless we walk afresh in the steps of Jesus. To join Him in a slow dance, if you will.
May all our longings be fulfilled in Him, the true tree of life. His light, love and wisdom is enough to fill every moment. If only we have eyes to see and a heart that’s willing to follow in His footsteps…
It's a God thing... 
Wow, there’s so much good stuff here, Ali. What I took away as a personal gift is, “count the ways” He loves me–thank you SO MUCH for that. God bless you BIG–love, sis Caddo
Thanks heaps Caddo! I’m glad. May you enjoy counting all those ways today, remembering His blessings and praising His wonderful name. He loves you so much!
Blessings and hugs,
Ali
We just can’t hear it enough, can we?!! Wish you were here–I’m cooking and baking, need some company!!
Sounds wonderful, wish I was too! What are you making?
Fruitcakes, Part 1; apple crisp; veg soup in crock pot; roast and red potatoes with fresh garlic in the oven for dinner. Tomorrow should be interesting, I’m tired already….!
That sounds amazing Caddo!!! Yum… Hope you got some good rest.
This was so good and for me, right at this time. I don’t think I ever considered how being thankful increases my trust in Him. Thank you , Ali!! love and prayers!
I’m so glad, dear Debbie.
Yes, the ‘thankfulness builds trust’ idea was fleshed out in a great book I recently read – One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. She talks about the power of ‘naming’ the gifts God has given us. Remembrance of what He’s done, and worship of Him, really does help us trust Him more I think, as we are so often quick to forget and become bitter.
Blessings on you as you continue to remember all His gifts and His amazing love for you today.
Thanks again,
Ali
This was great to read Ali you have helped me in a few ways as i am usually like a bull at a gate love you sissy. xx
I’m so glad Trinie! Hehe. I think we can all do with some help in slowing down, as it doesn’t come naturally hey.
I love you too xx
That was beautiful, Ali! Such a good time of year to reflect on this, too. Thank you.
Thanks Denise! Yes, it does start to get hectic around now doesn’t it?
Enjoy moving slowly with Him this festive season.
Blessings,
Ali
There was so much in this post Ali. I laughed at the picture because it’s a true reflection of what’s happening today. Because everything is at our finger tips the main, important things are suffering. It’s hard to be silent or think about God and so on because of the distractions!
What really resonated with me was when you said,
The key is working out what we do
have control over, and what we
simply have to entrust to God.
So true…..Thanks for a great post.
Thanks Rolain, I am glad!
True, it’s a daily balancing act isn’t it – of working out what our choices are, and what we simply can’t control. Bless you as you release all things to God and seek His wisdom.
So true, the get-it-now way of our society doesn’t promote patience (maybe that explains some of my issues with patience? haha….)
When we slow down and let our thoughts rest in Jesus, it’s a huge step in building that relationship. Thanks for the reminder!
Yes, and it is probably counter-intuitive to slow down. But God meets us more than half-way when we do.
Thanks for dropping by Janna 🙂
Great writing as usual Alison! Good to re read!
Thanks Laura! Appreciate your encouragement 🙂
Amazing!!!!
Thanks Mary!