HE HAS MADE EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME. HE HAS ALSO SET ETERNITY IN THE HUMAN HEART; YET NO ONE CAN FATHOM WHAT GOD HAS DONE FROM BEGINNING TO END. Ecclesiastes 3:11
I promoted myself to the Primary class. Feeling confident I could keep up with the seven-year-olds, I walked past the Beginners’ class where I belonged and down the hall to Miss Linda’s room. I loved Miss Ruth, but I was ready to move on. Quietly, I took a seat at one of the little tables. Miss Linda asked me if I wanted to go back to my Sunday School class. I told her no. I wanted to stay with her. When she gave me sentence strips, glue, and glitter, I knew I was in the right place.
When Mama asked me why I didn’t go to my class I responded, “I’m not a baby!” (My tears cast serious doubt on that argument!) Even so, after several unsuccessful attempts to sell me on remaining in Miss Ruth’s class, Mama conceded. I could move on to Miss Linda’s class. Life was good.
The next Sunday, donned in my red crinoline and black patent shoes, hand-in-hand with Mama, I walked to my new class, or so I thought. She held onto my hand as we walked into the Beginners’ class. Are you kidding me? I thought we settled this! Miss Ruth hugged me and asked me if I wanted to stay. Staring at the floor, I shook my head from side to side. I didn’t know whether to hold Mama’s hand tighter or prepare for a breakaway. I peeked up at Miss Ruth. She smiled, then winked at Mama. Relief washed over my stubborn little self as we headed down the hall to the Primary class.
Mama and I used to laugh when we recalled the day I took promotion into my own hands. As an adult, though, I know that waiting is often where my faith grows and His plan becomes clear. God holds my hand to give me strength and help me pace myself. Running ahead of Him alters His timing. He always forgives me and helps me get back on track, but I can miss His best if I rush.
Thank You for Your presence in our lives. Thank You for Your plan. Help us to stay on track with Your will for our lives.
from A GARDEN WELL TENDED by Debbie Griffin
Debbie Griffin Books 