Waiting

We're just about to enter Advent, it's about two weeks away. It's a season of watching and waiting. Looking forward to the return of Christ and to the celebration of Christmas. It's not a celebratory season, rather one of trial and testing.

I feel like my Advent period has started already. This is the time when Anglican Ordinands look for their first jobs. We're looking at possible places, sizing up potential vicars and trying to discern the voice of God calling us.

It's hard.

How will we know? What else is available? If I say no to this will I find something else? In fact, I've managed to get myself in such a stew that I've made myself ill from the stress.

One of my favourite bible passages is from Phillipians 4:4-7 'Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayers with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God.'

Great words, but at the moment instead of comforting they grate. It seems easy to relax and give it all to God for a few days, but I can't wait longer for movement. And if I sit by and do nothing will I miss something fantastic?

I guess that my time of watching and waiting is unlikely to come to a swift end. Perhaps this time as I endeavour to cling to God, I'll learn to find peace as wait.

I certainly hope so.