come home in a constant state of weariness, no longer am I constantly
stressed about deadlines and workload. God is doing a profound work in my
life…I am waiting on Him to show me where I should be. I am not waiting in
a passive catatonic state – far from it. I am on the biggest, most challenging
journey ever. Like Peter, I am stepping out the boat and yes there is fear.
Like Peter, when I take my eyes of Jesus, I begin to drown. God has a lot to
do in me in this time of waiting, a transforming of my character has begun or
better articulated in Romans 12.v 2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Right now, I am learning to be prepared for unexpected answers to prayer. I
am learning to trust a little more each day and I have an unquenchable thirst
to learn more of the Trinity. If I miss Eucharist, I am hungry. If I miss
fellowship with the church family, I feel homesick. Perhaps the biggest
challenge right now, for me is to learn to ‘Be Still’, to be silent. Each morning
and in each situation I am learning to seek the Father’s will. A great truth in
Psalm 62. V 1-2 describes this “My soul waits in silence for God only; From
Him is my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I
shall not be greatly shaken”.
Waiting on God has meant I have to learn to have a single and consistent
focus on God. A focus on all He is and all He has done. It is very much
finding silence, to allow God to speak. David Adam’s words describe this
beautifully to me:
“Open my eyes that I may see, The Presence that is all about me.
Open my ears that I may hear, The voice that is quiet yet ever near.
Open my heart that I may feel, The love of my God close and real.
Open each sense, make me aware, Of the power and Peace always there” 1
Waiting is about anticipation, a confident expectation and hope. Listening
with expectation. I may not know where this journey will take me, but with
certainty I know some of the steps along the way. The next step, is
confirmation. For me this is a deeply significant moment of obedience. It is a
choice; it is a response to the Father’s calling to commit ever deeper to a life
with Christ. I have recently read some of the words of the confirmation
rite…they are simply beautiful words…
“Come, Creator Spirit, rekindle in (name) your gifts of grace, to love and
serve as a disciple of Christ”
It will be an honour to be with Linda Hardie and Lucy as we are presented
for confirmation on the 28 th of August this year with our family at St.
Oswald’s. Please remember us in your prayers at this time.
1
David Adam, The Eye of the Eagle. Pg. 13
StOM Page 22
Linda