Watching and waiting
My sweet girl, Heidi, goes with me each night to feed my horses. Often, she sits at the end of the driveway, looking southwest (away from where I’m working). She’s my “watch girl,” watching and waiting for me as I work, ready to warn me if a visitor approaches.
Keeping watch
Of course, many of us, particularly rural residents, see our canines as watch dogs. Our four-legged pets are part of the family and usually love us unconditionally. They care for us and want to protect us. My Heidi dog watches and waits for me.
She thinks I’m worth waiting for.
Some things are worth waiting for
We’re two weeks into the season of Advent now, as we watch and wait in expectation for the coming of our Savior. Jesus is worth the wait.
This week, we lit the second Advent candle during our worship service.
The candle of PEACE
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, it’s appropriate to remember, thank, and praise Him for His gift of peace.
In everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
What special aspects of Christmas do you find are worth the wait?
Wishing you continued blessings during this season of Advent and much love and joy as you celebrate Christmas.
I often recall how when I was a very young boy, I would look for the present under the tree with my name on it. I’d sneak to pick it up, shake it, and try to guess what was inside. As I grew, I came to understand that it was the giver and not that gift that was most important. When I think about what’s worth my wait these days, it’s uninterrupted family time, a meal shared with friends, and reflections of all the gifts God has blessed me with through the years. Ms. Diane and I will be celebrating 25 years together this year, and it seems I can hardly remember life without her in it. She is most definitely the second greatest gift in my life and one that was definitely worth the wait. 🙂 God’s blessings sweet friend.
You gifted me with a smile this morning and a warm glow inside as you share your thankfulness for the blessings God has sent you. Wishing you and Diane continued joy and happiness and a very Happy Anniversary, my friend. May your week be blessed with joy and sunshine, kind sir.
Many of my favorite memories revolve around a dog that remained close during my childhood and teen years. Thank you for this interesting link between pets and the advent season.
Like you, Diana, I have fond memories of my pets from the past years. We always had a dog (often more than one) on the farm and I’ve continued that canine member of the family throughout my adult life. They’ve been precious to our family–I just wish they lived longer. Perhaps that’s why God packs so much joy and goodness into their short lifespan. Wishing you a wonderful and joyful Christmas.
Jesus is always worth the wait whether His return or His fulfilling His will through us.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
God’s Word is true. Let’s believe His promise found in the previous text.
Thanks for sharing Ms. Katherine.
Isaiah 40:31 is one of my most favorite verses. Thank you for sharing it with us. Wishing you and your family a joyous and blessed Christmas season, Lisa.
Katherine, Philippians 4:6-7 are some of my favorite verses to rely on when anxiety raises its ugly head. These Scriptures help remind me to leave all my worries with the Lord. And, yes, Jesus is worth the wait.
I love those two verses from Philippians, too, Barbara–so comforting in times of stress and anxiety–a promise that God is with us and always will be. Wishing you blessings and joy this Christmas and so glad you’re home.
Like JD, my view of Christmas has shifted a bit over the years. I look forward to watching the younger ones open their gifts, to family meals, conversation across the room, across the table. Jesus is worth the waiting time. Christmas is a tiny piece of the practice of anticipation–only He won’t be like a present that disappoints.
“He won’t be like a present that disappoints.” Love that, Nancy. I’m looking forward to the joy of being with Jesus and reuniting with loved ones gone before. May God bless you and your family.
What strikes me as I read your post is how thankful I am that God thought I was worth waiting for and how He never stopped pursuing me.
Thanks for this insight. I hope you are having a merry month!
When you mention God thought you were worth the wait, I’m reminded of how God didn’t give up on me when I strayed so far from Him. I’m forever grateful that He though I was worth the wait. I’m having a merry month and hope you are as well. May God continue to bless you and keep you safe.
I came to faith as an adult, so I agree with Candyce in being thankful that God thought I was worth waiting for! Thank you for the reminder, Katherine, and may you have a blessed Christmas!
I’m with you, Kathy. I too, came to faith as an adult and I’m so very grateful that God rescued me from my sin, but He was also patient and loving when I stumbled several times after that. He thought I was worth waiting for and He waited for me more than once. I’m truly blessed by His mercy. Wishing you and your family Christmas joy and a blessed 2023.
If it weren’t for God’s gift of peace, I would be a mess! That goes for His gifts of hope, joy, and love too!
I’d be a mess, too, LuAnn–a BIG mess! Aren’t we blessed by His love and grace? Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a blessed New Year.