Holding...

Pilots are often put into holding patterns as they wait for permission to land their planes.  I'm guessing that this could be frustrating for the pilot who has completed the hardest part of his journey and is looking forward to getting the plane on the ground and moving on to other things.  But it is the job of the control tower to see that the landing will be a safe one even if it involves keeping the pilot in the air and under its control for a period of time.

I feel as if I am in a holding pattern.  The toughest part of my journey has been completed and I am eager for my safe landing, but I'm still under the command of the control tower and have not yet been given permission to land.  It's not quite safe to settle firmly onto the runway, shut off the plane and walk away to other things.  And there are lessons to be learned here.

If I live my life only looking forward to the next step I will miss the lessons of the moment.  I will miss the comfort of being still, of being quiet, of being teachable. I will miss opportunities to hone my patience skills and I will miss opportunities to focus on the needs of others.

So as I pray for others today I will also thank God for this holding pattern in which He, my ultimate Control Tower, has put me.  And I look forward to my safe landing.

"Be still and know that I am God."-Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

"Indeed, I am composed and quiet, like a young child carried by its mother; I am content like the young child I carry."-Psalm 131:2 (NET)

"Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness."-Psalm 86:11 (The Message)

"For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..."-Galatians 5:22 (ESV)

"My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you."-John 15:12 (NIV)

On the health front:

No news from the control tower this morning, so I will again enjoy the benefits of an "Ignorance is bliss" mentality until I get more information😊