Standing Alone

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

I checked the mirror one more time. Veil in place, dress smoothed, no lingering candy in my teeth from the last-minute snack attack with my bridesmaids. The organ music coming from the nearby sanctuary made me teary. It was happening! Soon I would walk down the aisle to my waiting groom.

For about two minutes I stood alone. My friends, in their matching puffy dresses, had already been summoned for the processional. My dad would appear any moment to walk me down the aisle. In those few seconds by myself, unexpected thoughts flitted through my mind.

Why didn’t I trust God as I waited? Did my worry that this moment would never arrive accomplish anything? No. It only robbed me of living in the present. 

I have shared this memory with several single girls in my life. “Don’t waste the waiting.” “Rest in His timing.” So easy to say. So hard to do.

I suppose clarity comes more easily when you’re wearing the big white dress. The questions are answered, the invitations are printed and the future appears mapped out. 

The “map” has many twists and turns though. When I am inevitably faced with waiting on God again, will I choose trust over control? Faith over worry? Will I rest in the beautiful present as I wait for Him to unfold the next steps? 

Lord, Thank You that You see the big picture of my life. Help me rest in the present while I trust You with the unknown future. 

Whitney