Another year

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 302: Today, I am grateful for another day...the possibility of another full year to live gratefully... and a few specific things.

The beauty of this image that reminds me that as time is marked in different ways. Irregular rings. Each one is full of stories. So much life in one year and much of it will be forgotten. It is how we live that matters. Today, marks the completion of a ring a the start of a new one. It is a gift.

"I will fulfill the number of your days." Exodus 23:26 b

This day... and plenty of daily bread (including some sweets... homemade caramels and cupcakes from favorite friends).

A hot shower and clean water. (these blessings beyond my understanding as I have always had both available)

A short lived illness over the weekend that made me rest.

Seeing both boys and my soon to be daughter.

The sweetest cards from loved ones.

The Cubbies won at Wrigley last night. The fans singing at the end made me cry as they showed so many showing respect to their senior parents and grandparents sitting with them. The Wrigley house was full of Grandmas.

Halloween at our Junior High... no the kids don't dress up. The staff does.

Neighborhood treasured children and some church sweeties will knock at my door for some candy tonight. Love it. If they stop at my neighbor, Susie's, first... I sometimes receive birthday wishes.

Another day...the possibility of another full year to live gratefully.

Grace at Home Plate

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 302: Today, I am grateful for grace... so that no one may boast.

Tonight...is  the fourth game of the 2016 World Series. The Indians are 3 Wins to 1 Win for the Cubs. What a tough spot to be in in the middle of the series. 2-2 would feel so much better. 

Baseball is a great place to thing about grace.  There are times that another players error means a base instead of an out. Or, the wind takes an average hit somewhere better. The wind can, also, work against both teams. 

No one is perfect. Everyone has good games and bad.  This World Series has two teams deep in talent and coaching talent. If the Cubs win tonight... the energy will change. It is crazy fun to see so many excited.  Tough games. Good baseball. Every boy on the field is seeing his baseball dreams come true. I love that Cub fans are fans for life. The media highlights have shown this to be evident.  So many people in their 50's and 60's are taking aging parents to the games at Wrigley. It melts my heart.  Win or lose tonight - they accomplished a goal in getting there. My heart longs for a win for the elderly fans who have waited a lifetime. 

The players know each other. They strengths and weaknesses.  The camaraderie at the plate makes me smile. They are brothers of baseball. Your opponent could be your teammate in another season. 

This season - both teams have seen some moments of grace and moments of efforts being rewarded. Sometimes - even the best efforts can end in disappointment. 

This was my scripture of the day: 

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

This reminds me of the value of grace. Jesus really came with a new message and a new approach. Grace and faith, only. No other way to salvation. Can't earn it. Can't buy it. Salvation can only be obtained through a confession of Christ as savior and Lord, repenting our sins and accepting him as Lord. Simple. One way. No one can boast. 

At the end of the World Series... there will be boasting. Two great teams - but one will win the title. (Oh, I want it to be the Cubbies). 

For believers - I am reminded that works are a reflection of the one we serve - but faith and grace are the ticket to the final home plate... heaven's gate. I am grateful he has covered my mistakes and His grace means live or die... we win. 

Today, I am grateful for grace... so that no one may boast. 

Interruptions

Daily Gratitude Year Four-Day 301: Today, I am grateful for that sometimes what feels like an interruption is the real assignment. 

Plans are made. Detours occur. Hope floats. Being present is where the value of each day remains. Being available for the interruption and letting a His hand direct.

Doing it all!

Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 300: Today, I am grateful for reminders that I can't do it all and all I can do needs purpose.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.-Colossians 3:17

I need this reminder to day.  A sweet, timely conversation with my Sister-in-love Jennifer, was what I needed last night. Good for the soul. Encouragement through conversation is always good. There was much to catch up on and plan. 

Then, I am reminded that tonight is another night for baseball. 

This is game 3 of the World Series 2016. Our Cubbies are in it for the first time since 1945. The competition has had a long dry spell, too. We have to remember that these men know each other.  Coaches and managers have at times been on the same team. They are all a part of baseball and now baseball history. Press on.  

Today, I know there are good men on both teams. I know there are Mama's who love their babies and wives and families who have sacrificed in the name of baseball. I remember Susan Sarandon in the movie "Bull Durham" who honestly confessed that baseball was her religion. Tonight... there were be prayers said, but more importantly... conduct and character will show through. 

Baseball's best of the season as a team are in these games. I love reading their stories and learning who they are. I am impressed that several chose education and degrees first... over baseball.  How the money must have tempted. Knowing it is a young man's game, they put education before the game.  Fascinating. 

Each of us must make daily decisions.  Whatever we do, who do we serve?  No man can serve two masters. 

Baseball was fortunate that some great athletes survived college ball to make in the pros. A good number are on the Wrigley Field tonight. Choices. Dreams. So much more will be on our TV screen. The sweet thing about both teams... they feel the wonder of this moment.  Just showing up at the game tonight is a dream come true.  

Play hard. Play fair. Trust your heart. Know who you are there to serve. Give thanks. It is a great day to be a Cubs fan (and an Indians fan). It will be a night of fan-demonium. 

Tonight is another game. Hearts are beating fast. But, each one of has much to do before we take our seat on the sofa... and for some fortunate ones... in the bleachers. Every one of us has much to do and a purpose - before we sit.

Today, I will try to make good choices in word and deed. No one can "do it all" so we can choose with a purpose and great possibilities. Be present. Engage. Live fully in this moment. It only comes once. 

Today, I am grateful for reminders that I can't do it all and all I can do needs purpose.

Trust Without Borders

Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 298: Today, I am grateful for examples of trust without borders.

Hillsong's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)" has this line. "Spirit lead we where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters." 

It has almost a haunting lilt to the tune and melody. I envision a  walk on the beach, with waves slapping the shore as a morning mist envelops. Then, as the song builds, you can almost touch the peace that comes in learning to trust bigger, better and deeper. 

"Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me"

Big words. Big trust. But, when he calls or directs, we have to make a choice. Do we follow his lead with trust or fight his clear direction with fear? He is bigger than our fears, but fight or flight is a natural response that was designed in us for safety and protection. 

There is a sovereign God waiting to reveal a place of trust that goes beyond the safety of the shore. He calls us to deeper waters as a part of his love story and to build our trust in His hand. Jesus... our great example and God with us. The Holy Spirit our comforter and guide until Chris returns. He has us covered. 

We are not promised smooth waters, We are promised he will never leave us or forsake us. 

I am grateful for the many examples of trust without borders.

It brings images of Noah sealing up the ark as the rain begins.

Joseph interpreting the dreams of the Pharoah.

Moses lifts his staff and the Red Sea parts.

Gideon learns to trust God in the dew or dryness of a lambs fleece.

David takes on Goliath.

Nehemiah makes a major job change.Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walk into a fiery furnace.

Joshua marches around Jericho and the walls fall down.

Jonah takes a trust detour in the belly of a large fish.

Esther's to take on a crown and display courage before an unpredictable king.

Ruth's fearless devotion to her depressed mother-in-law in the midst of her own grief.

Rehab risking life and limb to hide Israel's spies.

Mary saying - 'Let it be unto me as you have said."

Joseph saying yes to the gossip, rumors and haughty looks of the townspeople.

John the Baptist saying yes to the call on his life.
Peter walking on the water to Jesus.
Matthew trusting he could be loved and accepted... a tax collector.

Peter, James and John... walking away from lucrative careers to chase Jesus.

Jesus doing temptation battles with Satan in the desert.

Jesus in the garden... accepting "Thy will be done."

Paul - finding soul freedom in a prison cell. 

Peter - seeing the gates of the prison opened. 

There are so many more. Trust without borders and big things happen. Our God continues to write new chapters in this amazing, crazy love story.

I think I am more "Chicken Little" worried the sky may fall... than Ruth or Esther. But knowledge of that limitation is where he can begin to grow us. From fearful safety to fearless seeking the heart of Jesus. Every day is a new opportunity to do better. 

Today, I am grateful for examples of trust without borders.

Journey of 1000 miles

Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 297: Today, I am grateful "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". 

The quote is quote is Lao-Tzu. It holds great wisdom. To make any big change, we must take the first step. Step into courage. The first time we pick up reading glasses for clearer vision. The first time we step into gratitude and stop wishing away today's blessings. Oh, yes, "the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.

The holidays are here. This time of year, my heart turns toward the people of the nativity. Ordinary Mary with her extraordinary heart and big faith. Then, the simple carpenter from Nazareth who gathered his broken dream... his sweet Mary... and accepted an unexpected pregnancy and a son who would be his in love but not blood. They must have held on to Psalm 18:30:

The God - his way is perfect: the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. -Psalm 18:30

The journey of a thousand years intercepted "their stories", and God continued his love story with humans. He was about to write the chapter on redemption and Joseph and Mary would be vital to the mission. 

Could they even imagine that Psalm 22 contained prophecy, as well as reflection, and they would be key people. Accepting God's best meant great joy, but there would be sorrow, too. 

How could they have imagined that they would be called to be the earthly parents to the long awaited Messiah? They didn't - but God saw their hearts and their character spoke clearly. The time was now. 

It takes my breath away. 

Today, I am grateful "the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step". 

Fancy Banners

Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 296: Today, I am grateful for fancy banners and that His banner over me is love.

I just read a brief report on a study that showed that people learned better while doodling. They retain what they learn if they doodle while they listen. It engages different parts of the brain.  I am not surprised.  I was always a doodler. Imagine my joy when I discovered "Bible Journaling"? My Bibles were already full of color. Highlighters and pens of every color. Images were the next step. 

My sister, April, was the one with the degree in Art... a natural and an educated artist. My doodles did not compare. Still, I have grown to believe that in His image - each one of us needs to create something "beautiful'. From a perfectly balanced spreadsheet to a field of corn... we each have a God breathed need to create. 

I am working on my courage to draw a little more freehand. My art teacher friend has a great quote about how we all have thousands of bad images in us to get out. I am working on mine. There are some good ones sprinkled in between. Michelangelo once said that his art would not be so impressive if people knew the work that went into each piece. I will never be a Michelangelo - but doodling is fun. 

I am grateful for this simple tutorial on creating a "fancy banner". I can't wait to try it out. A banner is a declaration. A new business. A new mascot unveiled.  A shoe sale. "Just Married".A banner says, "Look!" It is a visual declaration. 

My brain wandered to the scriptures I have stored there. This one came to mind:

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.-Song of Solomon 2:4

"His banner over me is love." What a beautiful image that creates. Remember the children's Bible song, "His Banner Over me is Love"?    

"The Lord is mine and I am His,
His banner over me is love."

Earworm woke up and will will likely sing this all day. 

Tonight... Cubs fans everywhere are hoping to fly the "W" banner in declaration of a "Win".  The banner a sign of celebration, allegiance and a long awaited journey coming into fruition. 

Correction...Earworm just changed songs. "Go, Cubs Go. Hey, Chicago what do you say?"

Today, I am grateful for fancy banners. and that His banner over me is love. And.. a Cubs win tonight would be grand!

Wisdom and Insight

Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 295: Today, I am grateful we can find wisdom in "fear" and "insight" through the Holy Spirit.


"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." - Proverbs 9:10

Sometimes, we are unsure of the the right thing to say or do. Sometime, it is best to remain silent and pray. This simple scripture is rich. Wisdom and insight cannot be purchased. It must be gained and obtained. Some through a lifetime of experience. Other, a divine relationship adds to the coffers.

I always loved listening to stories around the family table. Grandpa and Dad enjoyed telling them. They enjoyed a story more than a song or even reading a book. Paul Harvey was a highlight of any given day as he told, "the rest of the story". I have rich memories around the kitchen tables. It is where we often sat long after a meal was complete as there were stories to share. There is an education that comes in storytelling that sticks in our heads more than a word we read on a page. Stories get written on our hearts.

Humans can gain knowledge and wisdom several ways. Through education and experience... and through divine relationship and instruction. Both are valuable and have their place. What is always intriguing to me is when a human acts outside of "common sense" because of a relationship with a mighty and personal Lord.

The word "fear" can include trepidation... as it should, when encountering the Master of the Universe, but it is more than that. It is respect. It is the knowledge that His love is true and a little wild. He is full of adventures for those who are willing to step outside of their comfort zones.

I recently heard a cardiologist tell how he was once the master of the surgery theater. A changed relationship with Jesus took him on "one little mission trip" to a poverty stricken country. He met Jesus in "the margins" of society and really gained knowledge and insight. He felt a different kind of fulfillment than he had ever experienced. Now, he practices medicine as a way to make a living so that he can spend his resources in service to the sick and weary.
Education and knowledge meet wisdom and insight.

Today, I am grateful we can find wisdom in "fear" and be granted "insight" through the Holy Spirit.

Cubs Heading to the World Series

Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 295: Today, I am grateful that the Cubbie's have made it to the World Series.

I grew up knowing you had to choose between the Cubs and the White Sox. I was stunned when we moved to the Peoria area that the Cardinals and the Cubs were the teams of choice. The White Sox fans are scarce around here.

The best thing about a Cubs fan is the depth of loyalty that has been passed on from generation to generation in many families. Fickle is not in theirvocabulary. I love that about them.

I love that they started the season with "Try not to suck" t-shirts and took it one game at a time. This whiteboard drawing by Joe Madden is the best! It was from a team meeting and there is a great article to go with it here:

http://www.espn.com/…/joe-maddon-spring-training-message-cu…

This image is showing up on t-shirts (Thanks for sharing the story link Lee Hoffman). Smart Leadership. A great team. One game at a time. Keep your eye on the real goal and plug away one day at a time. Work hard. Try not to suck.

Central Illinois is home to Ben Zobrist - so number 18 is a fan favorite. The Cubs team has been amazing to a little boy in our community who chose to have his glass eye to be the Cubs logo. He is a little boy of great faith and happens to be a Zobrist (a cousin). The Cubs and ESPN have made him feel so special during this amazing and memorable season. The entire community has had our hearts lifted by the journey of a little guy who lost an eye to cancer, but presses on...with his family... with hope and faith every day.

It is a game. I know that. But the excitement of the possibilities makes it hard not to smile. They have stayed true to the goal...and pressed on.

I am not going to add a spiritual twist. Every player on both teams has loved ones, fans and people rooting for them. (There is a Cleveland Indian who played with Chase in our backyard... and his sweet Mama wants it for her baby, too).

I am grateful for the good that comes from organized sports. Fans can become friends and even create a sense of family as they cheer on their team. I long to see this be the year of the big win.

One game at a time.

Today, I am grateful that the Cubbie's have made it to the World Series.

Fun Socks

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Daily Gratitude-Year 4 Day 294: Today, I am grateful for fun socks

Short one today.

I am a sandals girl, but the time comes each October where I have to Face the truth that cold weather is upon us. It means I move from the freedom of sandals to boots. I love boots but the freedoms of naked toes will be missed there is good news.

If I have to wear socks... they must be fun. I am thankful for so many fun choices.

Today, I am grateful for fun socks.

Cha-cha

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 293: Today, I am grateful for optimism and the cha-cha.

"Taking a step forward after a step backward is on a disaster... it's a cha-cha."

Yes, our God is good. How do I know? Because he put us here to live, love, laugh, learn and dance as we get to know him better. 

Optimism, like dance, is an art. It is re-framing the struggles into something we can manage. I do not mean to minimize the trials in life. The struggle is real, but we are never alone. 


Joseph is one of my favorite Biblical examples. He had his highs and his lows. God allowed him smaller struggles to build his strength, trust and character. Then, what I feel was the biggest test of all, was how Joseph handled his brothers when they came face to face after a lifetime of separation. 

The brothers who sold him into slavery and separated him from his Dad and little brother stood before him with not one clue as to who he was. Joseph controlled the anger, bitterness and pain of the past and embraced that because at that very moment he saw clearly that God had been with him every step of the way and in that moment, he understood. He would save his family from starvation. 

His people survived, thrived and grew into the promise of a great nation. Some would have sought true revenge. Joseph held on to God's hand in the struggle and came out of it... literally...golden.  

"I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”-Psalm 40:8

I believe Joseph was an optimist. He knew that any step backward after a step forward was not the end. We now know... it's a cha-cha. 

Today, I am grateful for optimism and the cha-cha.

Unusual Gifts

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 292: Today, I am grateful for the gift of restored joy and a willing spirit. 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. -Psalm 51:12

This is from well known Psalm of David... Psalm 51... after his affair with Bathsheba. He had power influence and the ability to have what he wanted. For nearly every chapter of David's life his heart literately beat to do the Lord's service. Then, it happened.  A combination of events that put him in place where all he thought he wanted was right there. He didn't have to kill Uriah by his own hand. Oh no. He would simply send a soldier into battle knowing as a leader he would take the front lines with his men. Oh, David! 

David was well aware of what he had done. God knew. How... after the intimacy of their relationship... did he think he could maneuver this in such a way that God would not see what David had orchestrated? Silly David. Shameful David. 

God knew and Nathan... the prophet... confronted David with his sin. This song... Psalm 51 was written from a broken heart. Here is a little more of the verse. 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,  and uphold me with a willing spirit. -Psalm 51:10-12 

David grew from a boyhood trust of God like a father into a relationship of best friends. David lived to serve. He listened and paused at times others would have acted. David was a warrior and a king... but he was, also, a servant. We spent an entire year in KidZone at church studying the life of David. Good stuff.  

We sang this song every week (K-6) and it is still a favorite. I think the adults gained as much as the kids. I didn't realize how powerful the lyrics were until a dear sister, Joyce Ropp, popped in to comment. It really is full of encouragement and a glimpse into David's heart for God.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6e_H2_kE-g  

But then his transgression..oh, good grief... let's not pretty it up with a fancy word!  His sin with Bathsheba cost him. It cost her. The child conceived in sin did not live. David, despite all the wealth and jewels he had gained in his life, would not be the king to rebuild the temple. God said "no" as he had too much blood on his hands. David accepted the consequence and did all he could do to gather what the next king would need. That would be his son, by Bathsheba, Solomon. 

God's "big picture" has many short stories... longer stories and chapters in our lives and in the lives of others. We do not always see, understand or comprehend the "big picture" except to realize that at the heart of it is as loving God who wants to be in relationship with the ones he created in his image. The only ones he created with the ability to defy his natural laws and reject him. Nature does what nature is going to do. We can choose. Only we can choose. That choice is a gift. That.. is crazy love. 

But the story doesn't end there. Far from it. Their restored and renewed relationship gained something after the brokenness. David had been so good. Really good. Really faithful. Somehow, the time of separation from God gave David a new understanding of depth of God's love, forgiveness and mercy. He had experienced grace in a big way. Just as we can and do. 

There was a new joy in David's salvation.
A new understanding.
A new desire to bend David's will to fit the call of God. 
A new heart beat in David's chest. A clean one. 
A new lightness in his step as his spirit bent willingly to the Father's. 
A new heart beat. A clean heart.

From the lineage of David, Jesus would be born. Evidence of a restored relationship. 

Today, I am grateful for the gift of restored joy and a willing spirit. 

Level Ground

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 291: Today, I am so grateful for level ground.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! 
Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! - Psalm 143:10 (ESV) 

I did not add the exclamation punctuation. It was there in the scriptures. Shout it out. "Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" 

Some days are an uphill climb. I wonder as I read this scripture this morning, which of the uphill climbs are for the benefit of my soul... and which of hem are merely the struggles that result from refusing to do His will. Now... that is something I could think on for a long, long time. 

I love a one verse, simple break down. 


TEACH ME... I may not figure it out on my own.
TO DO... There is action required. 
YOUR WILL... not mine.
FOR YOU ARE MY GOD...We are to have no other's before Him. 

! or ; ESV uses an exclamation mark and and the NIV a semicolon. Do we pause or exclaim? Both? Some versions even throw in a colon. Oh... punctuation speaks that this verse is not to be rushed through. We must pause, pay attention and take heed to what it says. 

MAY YOUR GOOD SPIRIT... He is good and will only lead us with goodness. We can trust that, even when His way seems kind of crazy. 

LEAD ME... back to "teach me to do your will". I will submit to a sovereign God.

ON LEVEL GROUND. The benefit of obedience. We can experience "level" in the even the tough stuff.

Good morning, Earworm. Today, he is singing an old Michael W Smith song, "Step by Step".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve720TWDZdg&list=RDVe720TWDZdg#t=10 

 "Oh God, you are my God. And I will ever praise you. I will praise you in the morning. I will learn to walk in your ways. Step by step you lead me. I will follow you all of my days." 

Yes. It takes a little practice. Learning to do his will is not always easy. We are made in His image with our own creative ideas as to how our life's story should be written and illustrated. That is why the bending of our will to His is an important evidence of the relationship. Our God, this one true God, really wants to be our the master designer who helps us to maximize our potential and fully use the gifts he has given us. 

I have never regretted following His lead. I cannot say the same about the times I have rejected his clear direction.  His forgiveness never ceases to amaze me. The depth of his mercy fills my cup and grace overflows. 

With obedience comes level ground. Even in the trials of life. He is good. 

Today, I am so grateful for level ground.

Worth Waiting For...

Daily Gratitude Year 4-Day 290: Today, I am so grateful for things that are worth the wait. 

Randy and I have discovered the joy of the French Press coffee. About a year ago, we started to use it as part of our morning ritual. Randy at first objected, thinking I didn't need to go to the trouble, when the Keurig was fast and easy. 

Still, the flavor is incomparable.  Better.  The "bitter" becomes smooth. The flavor is rich. For those who love coffee, it is worth a try. For those who want to love coffee, try it. It takes a few minutes  (about 5 minutes more) more than a K-cup, but the wait has become part of the ritual and it is eco-friendly and inexpensive. The wait is part of the process. 

I forget that wait time is not wasted time. It is often God brewing a blessing. 

Waiting for the right job.
Waiting for the right marriage partner.
Waiting for the right house to come up for sale.
Waiting on the right time to plant or harvest.
Waiting on the right person to share a business partnership.
Waiting for any good thing to come to fruition... the wait is part of the process.

Waiting is, also, a part of the harder times.
Waiting for test results.
Waiting to feel well again after sickness.
Waiting to fit in to a new work position.
Waiting to feel a part of a faith community.
Waiting to really feel accepted by your marriage family.
Waiting for a a spouse... or waiting for a clear message of singleness.
Waiting for a trial to end.  
Waiting for the rain to stop.

In the wait... God instructs us to "be strong" but not until after he reminds us to wait.

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!-Psalm 27:14

That is such a great verse. This past year, I have discovered that the Hebrew/Greek scriptures have different words for "wait". I was thrilled to discover this was the same "wait" I had studied earlier this year. Now this verse means so much more!

"Qavah" in Hebrew (Kava or Kavah in English) means "to wait". But,  it is an active form of waiting.  Yes! The waiting is part of the process. Note the scripture has two semicolons. TWO!  Actively and expectantly wait by wrapping and binding ourselves to the Lord. 

I am still brewing the image of "steeping" ourselves in the Lord like brewing tea or waiting on the French Press.  The wait is part of the process.  The "pause" gives us time to bask in the knowledge that the wait will end and there are good things to come. There is pleasure in the pause.

There are things worth waiting for and the wait is relationship building. The wait is binding and holds expectation of good things to come. We can trust His timing. 

Today, I am so grateful for things that are worth the wait.