How long, God?

Bishop Bill McAlilly has challenged those of us in the Nashville Area of the United Methodist Church to give ourselves to the daily reading of Scripture as a united body.  Bishop Ken Carter, resident Bishop of the Florida Conference, has suggested reading Luke and Acts, tackling one chapter each week of the year. I've taken on that challenge and encourage you to join me.  What's more, I'm taking on the frightening task - one I choose for myself - of sharing my thoughts in this form. I hope that you will not only join us in engaging the scriptures through Luke's window, but that you will share - here or otherwise - your own discoveries. Starting a week behind, here goes ...

"[Anna] was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day.  She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem."  Luke 2:37-38 (CEB)

Except for seven years of her "adult" life, Anna had been right there. In that sanctuary.  Constantly before God, offering her worship, intervening for God's people, and listening.  Waiting.  I often get frustrated in a matter of minutes when things don't happen the way I expect, want, or hope.  But, 60-70 years?!  Now, that's an example of faith and servanthood we would all do well to follow.  

In the face of Anna's faithful commitment, I find myself staring at two questions.  First, for what of God's promised revelation am I waiting?  I am waiting for God to fix this world ... who am I kidding, I'm waiting for God to fix the Church! But, focusing on (read: obsessing over, wringing hands about) what's wrong is not the Anna way.  No, I think  Anna would be watching the horizon and the far corners of that familiar sanctuary for God to show up.  Because that's what God promised to do.

Leaves me with that second question.  How will I wait for God's promises to be  realized? Anna waited with patience and confident hope.  She could wait unwaveringly because she stayed in constant contact with God.  C'mon, really... How long do you wait before you begin to wonder if you got it wrong, that God didn't mean it, or before you try to hurry the revelation along?  

These days can be challenging enough, O God, but I often make it more difficult still by the way I wait on you.  Forgive me for those times I second-guess your attention, your timing, even your intention. Teach me trust you the way Anna did and be content to simply give myself over you in every moment, waiting on you with unwaivering trust and hope. I want to know the same glorious celebration you allowed Anna to know, even after all those years!  Let it be,God. Amen.