when the time is right

i laid it down in silence, this work of mine,

and took what had been sent me -- a resting time.

the Master's voice had called me to rest apart;

"apart with Jesus only," echoed my heart. 

i took the rest and stillness from his own hand,

and felt this present illness was what he planned.

how often we choose labor, when he says "rest" --

our ways are blind and crooked; his way is best.

to work himself is given, he will complete.

there may be other errands for tired feet;

there may be other duties for tired hands,

the present, is obedience to his commands.

there is a blessed resting in lying still,

in letting his hand mould us, just as he will.

his work must be completed.  his lesson set;

he is the higher workman: do not forget!

it is not only "working."  we must be trained;

and Jesus learned obedience, through suffering gained.

for us, his yoke is easy, his burden light.

his discipline most needful, and all is right.

we are but under-workmen; they never choose

if this tool or if that one their hands shall use.

in working or in waiting, may we fulfill

not ours at all, but only the Master's will.

my friend patrick shared this poem with me almost six years ago.  he found it in the book streams in the desert.  i made copies of the pages and stuck them in my bible.  sometimes, as i am flipping through the old testament, i will find the poem and read it.  today was one of those days.  i thought to myself, "how appropriate."

i guess i could say that i have been thinking a lot about life recently.  God is really tugging at my heart and trying to show me so many things.  some of his revelations have been encouraging, while others have been hard to swallow - it is never enjoyable to have your flaws laid bare before you.  all i know is that there is something big on the horizon and he is telling me that i need to rest.  i need to open my heart and listen to his voice.  i need to be still and know that he is God.

this poem paints a beautiful picture of resting.  it reminds me that my agenda needs to be cast into the wind so that i can embrace the will of my Creator.  if he commands me to be patient then that is what i will do.  the present may be unsettling and unclear, but i am in his hands and he will reveal his plan to me when the time is right.