Waiting...

It's the end of February and today was much warmer than most days this time of year. I found myself outside spinning on the tree swing, comtemplating life.

This is a gorgeous day. I remember the summers when I spun like this hours a week. Wait until summer comes again.

Even though the winter has flown by so far, with barely enough time to say "Happy New Year," I still long for warm weather to get here soon. For the slumber parties. The fresh orange juice. A reason to wear my bathing suit.

Wait. That's the single most used word today!

I've been thinking a lot about waiting for things lately. It's been a slow week and I'm finding more and more things I have to be paitent about.

Wait until the family's healthy again. Wait until we move. Wait until I'm 18. Wait until you meet Prince Charming. Wait until the spring fashions are out. Wait until you ask. Wait until they reply. Wait until the laundry is done. Wait wait wait!

I stopped spinning and climbed the tree. Sitting there, I was reminded that without waiting, the things we wait for would quickly grow route.

If this tree didn't have to wait through winter, it's blossoms would become dull and lifeless. Without waiting, I wouldn't have anytime for Him. There would be no time for growth without a time of rest. A time of waiting.

If I were to get married tomorrow, or get my license, would I have the same appreciation for them as I will when I actually get those things? Would my actions while being married or driving on my own be of the same quality if I didn't wait and work? While in Florida this month, I realized how quickly I would take sunshine and heat for granted if I lived there. I don't think I want that. Would a cake be so tasty if there wasn't the intoxicating smell of it baking, while you wait patiently for it to be just the right quality? If Jacob had gotten to marry Rachel without working 14 years for her, would she have been as precious to him?

I think I want the wait.