But When the Right Time Came...
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - “…there is a right time for everything.”
2 Peter 3:8 - “…a day or a thousand years from now is like a day to the Lord.”
Galatians 4:4 “…but when the right time came…”
Ecclesiastes 3:11 “…everything is appropriate in its own time…”
Lamentations 3:25-26 - “…it is good both to hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:16 - “…make the most of every opportunity you have.”
As I type this blog, parts of Northern Florida are under a Winter Storm Warning. Just so you’re sure you read that right, I’ll repeat: parts of Northern Florida are under a Winter Storm Warning. They actually have a name for it - Winter Storm Grayson. Who knew they named winter storms? I surely didn’t. I for sure know all about naming hurricanes, but naming winter storms is a foreign concept to me. WE DON’T GET WINTER STORMS IN FLORIDA. Friends, there is measurable snow in Tallahassee this morning; the first measurable snow in that area since 1989. There is snow, ice, and sleet. I’m familiar with heat, humidity and rain. If you are from Florida, like me, then you know this is unusual weather, and we Floridians actually have no clue how to dress or really function in this kind of cold. It hits 65-70 degrees and most of us are getting our sweaters, sweatshirts and boots out…(we have to wear the cute “cold weather” clothes when we have the chance!) Over the next few days temperatures will be dipping into the low 30’s in the Tampa area which is where I live. While I look through my closet and my daughter’s, I’m trying to process if we even have clothes that will keep us warm enough. Especially with an evening at Disney that we have planned in a couple of days to celebrate our new annual passes we got for Christmas! (if you’ve read my blogs in the past, you know that this is a MONUMENTAL deal for us, as we would LIVE at Disney if life and responsibilities would make that at all feasible. Hands up, fellow Disney-lovers!)
Here’s a fun fact: I LOVE this cold weather. I often say I live in the wrong state because any time the weather turns just a bit chilly, I cannot help but be excited. Somehow, it inspires me. I feel refreshed. I guess it’s because I’ve grown up in Florida and the heat and humidity is such a drag to me…ESPECIALLY around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I mean, I literally do dream of a “white Christmas”, and I guess watching Christmas Hallmark movies doesn’t help me feel content to have temperatures of 85+ degrees while we’re opening gifts on Christmas morning. Instead of wearing my warm, cozy pair of UGG boots and a cute Christmas sweatshirt, I’m wearing my Birkenstock flip-flops and a t-shirt with a snowflake on it. (you do what you can) Some people love Florida for this very reason, but I’m thinking we get robbed of the magic of snow, and fire places (that are actually needed) and hot chocolate (that is actually needed) and all of those things that spell out C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. And goodness I know, I know. NONE of that is what Christmas is all about…cold weather, hot weather; Jesus is the celebration. And that’s probably another blog. The point here is this…this cold snap is hitting us the first week of January, and you know what this Florida girl is thinking?
YOU’RE LATE!!!!!
Yep. All I can think is “Cold weather! Why couldn’t you have come just a little earlier! Like the week of Christmas!!!” You know, when the magic of Christmas is in the air and hearts are light and shoppers rush home with their treasures, and our days are merry and bright! Sure I’m thrilled we are getting some cold now, but, but…why! Why didn’t you come sooner?! In my estimation it would have been perfect! I feel like I can’t even be 100% grateful right now because I’m busy complaining about the fact that I think the weather is LATE!!!!!
Oh. It hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. Just like that. How often have I been so focused on the fact that things in my life have not been happening in the time that I deemed appropriate, that I miss out on the wonderful, beautiful, inspiring things that God is doing NOW? If I’m being honest, I would say often. And it’s something the Lord has brought to my attention on more than one occasion recently. “Enjoy the season you’re in, Sharon. Get all you can from this time and place. No season of preparation is ever wasted….” “But Lord! I see so much that I want to be doing! I have a vision for the future You have prepared for me and Abby! It just seems like….YOU’RE LATE!” Now, I have actually never spoken those words out loud for the Lord or my ears to hear. But guess what. Sometimes in my attitudes, thought-life or lack of gratefulness, I say it loud and clear. And boy that is something that I want to correct in my life in an immediate fashion. Why would I ever think that my plan or my timing could be better than my Father’s? It isn’t. EVER.
I believe that one of my top priorities this year will be to live out Ephesians 5:16 and make the most of every opportunity the Lord so graciously bestows upon me, knowing that my times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15). I invite you to do the same.
Happy New Year friends!
