Oh the Places You'll Go!

"The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or the waiting around for a Yes or No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for the wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting."

~"Oh the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss

Do you ever feel like you're just waiting? Nothing in your life is exactly where you'd like it to be? I felt that way for so many years, especially in waiting for Bible School to start. I fear far too many of us are in this "waiting place" because we're not content to accept the present time. The quote above is from one of my favorite children's books, and the very next word after that is "NO!" Because we're called to live, not to wait for life to be what we want.

In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse says that God does have wonderful things in store for each of us, but He's not going to have you solely waiting for them instead of living.

So today I ask you this, what are you waiting for? There's a song by John Walker titled "While I'm Waiting" that has a line in it that says, "I'll be running the race even while I wait."

Are you running?

First Things First

First of all, I must tell you a short story. This past July, I was able to spend the entire month working at a Young Life camp in Northern Michigan; Timber Wolf Lake. As the "Outdoor Crew Boss" my daily responsibilities involved encouraging, motivating, and working alongside six high school kids. The bulk of our work was with grass. Some 27 acres of turf cover this camp, and we had the joy of working with the Landscape Supervisor, Wayne Bartlett. One day, as we took a break, Wayne shared with us his life story. Something that Wayne said has had a huge impact on my life ... "Give the Lord the first hour of everyday, the first dime of every dollar, and the first day of the week." These simple words, along with a simple prayer, have had simply amazing results in my life.

A little more than a month has passed and I am walking through life with Jesus, and He is closer to me than ever before. Sometimes it feels like we are running together and I'm positive that He can run a faster mile than me. Thursday afternoon I was running around Normandale Lake with Jesus, He was pushing me to run harder, encouraging me as I was slowing down, and reminding me of so many great "firsts" in my life.

First and foremost, Jesus' death and resurrection has shaped me to be the man that I am today. With that being said, here are many of the other "firsts" that Jesus brought to my mind when we were running together on Thursday.

First chair on a powder day and first tracks eight minutes later.
My first day of school and then my first school picture.
My first car. The first time I was pulled over by the fuzz.
First season pass to Big Mountain.
The first time I was offered drugs. The first time I said "No."
My first bike. The first time I entered a mountain bike race, winning first place.
The first time I went for a run; and actually had fun.
The first time I witnessed someone get thrown through a wall.
The first time I saw my mother really mad.
The first day of college.
Skipping class to go skiing, for the first time.
My first road trip.
The ever so memorable first job. Two weeks later, receiving my first paycheck.
My first time climbing a peak in Glacier Park.
Realizing for the first time that I'm losing my hair.
Being in a wedding for the first time.
For the first time, caring about school.
Sharing with someone what God has done in my life for the first time.
The first time I slept in the back of my car.
First kiss.
My first visit to the emergency room.
Reading an entire book for the first time, just for my own enjoyment.
Hearing for the first time "She has a crush on you."
Having that first DTR.
First ride in a helicopter.
Living with my first "randomly selected roommate."
The first time I realized I am lactose intolerant.
Finding the first Easter egg.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, the first of the firsts, the first things that came to mind.

I urge you to think about some of the "firsts" in your life, and maybe for the first time, think about how God has been a part of every one of them.

remember...

Sometimes I am amazed at how easy it is to forget, especially when it comes to God's faithfulness, loving-kindness, and all that He has done in my life. In times of worry, stress, happiness, despair, challenges, and life changes, when we remember God, what He has done and what He promised to do, we known that God can and will take care of whatever comes along.

8"Remember this, and be assured;

Recall it to mind, you transgressors.

9"Remember the former things long past,

For I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is no one like Me,

10Declaring the end from the beginning,

And from ancient times things which have not been done,

Saying, 'My purpose will be established,

And I will accomplish all My good pleasure';

11Calling a bird of prey from the east,

The man of My purpose from a far country

Truly I have spoken; truly I will bring it to pass.

I have planned it, surely I will do it.

12"Listen to Me, you stubborn-minded,

Who are far from righteousness.

13"I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off;

And My salvation will not delay

And I will grant salvation in Zion,

And My glory for Israel.

(from Isaiah 46)

Take time to reflect on God's goodness and faithfulness now, and everyday after, knowing that He will fulfill His purpose in your life - if you let Him.