January 15, 2015

 

WAITING ON PROMISES

 
Waiting….
 
Much of life is waiting – on lines – for children – for supper – for love – for sleep – for the dawn.
 
Promises.
 
In order to be able to wait, to have the patience to wait, I need to have heard a promise or to believe in a promise.
 
Otherwise we wouldn’t get on the line.  We wouldn’t wait in the rain in hopes of getting the ticket.
 
Promises.
 
We wait for a loved one to return.
 
The father waited for the Prodigal Son to return – and he did return – to home, reconnection, family, the Kingdom underneath it all – even though he was bleeding, cut, hurt, needy,  humbled, less.
 
Resurrection.
 
We know there is resurrection - based on a promise by Jesus.
 
We know Jesus would return - based on a promise.
 
We know Jesus  is present – based on a promise.
 
Promises….
 
Waiting for the sun to rise – after a long night – after years of sin – after years of darkness – after years of refusing to wait.
 
Here I am Lord – standing on line – hoping to get home  - waiting for love, to feel the embrace of arms, hungry for the fatted calf, a washing, the garment, bread, wine, understanding, love.
 
Thank God, the line is so long. Thank God, the traffic is so heavy.  It means I’m not the only one. There are all these other people heading home – who are relying on a promise.
 
Waiting …. Learning how to wait – that’s a life learning.
 
So I guess that’s why the scriptures, that’s why the Gospels, are pointing out why all these people are waiting with the promise of the Bridegroom, the Messiah, to come.
 

© Andy Costello, Reflections 2022