Ever consider that Satan must be trigger-happy? Pulling out any and all triggers to tempt us to sin. Yesterday, wanting to do good, knowing my bent on accomplishing things, and in good time, I enter a check-out lane at Kroger. A short one that would actually be quicker than walking all the way down to the self-serve lanes. I was directly behind one of the sweetest looking older couples ever. They even had their groceries already checked and bagged. It was supposed to be my turn. All this little lady had to do was write out the check…herself… long hand.

I didn’t know people did that anymore. At least not at the grocery store where everyone wants to get in and out quick, like me. When a debit card just takes a quick swipe or chip insertion and you’re out of there. She had to ask the kind, young cashier twice for the date and total and then discuss how fast January has passed us by. There was even some conversation that revealed this young man will be a father mid-April. What? Did I need to know this? Did I say that I had family waiting in the car because it would only take a few minutes to run in, grab some flowers for the two sweet shut-in ladies we would be visiting, and pop back out. Slick as a whistle.

I believe Satan watches our lives and by what he sees, he conjures up temptations aptly suited to our personalities and circumstances. He knows I like to make a plan and work the plan, without any interruptions, thank you very much. So I can imagine Satan saying to God, “Sure she loves You, but make her wait for something and You will see just how much.”

Feeling like time is getting wasted is a huge stress trigger for me. With a bullet aimed at all I think I can control, which truly is absolutely nothing. “Breathe and smile,” I think to myself, do not allow this sweet, take-your-time, little lady cause me to lose my calm and peace. There will always be enough time to do what God wants you to do. And it is sin to live life in a hurry when my rushing causes anyone else to change their pace. I know this. But…

This has been the story of my life. I couldn’t wait to grow up, then I couldn’t wait to get married, have a family, a career, be the best that I could be and as soon as possible. According to brain research, I was married before mine was even fully developed! I wish I could go back and tell the younger me that there really is no hurry. That God is writing your story, young one, and He has a perfect time for every part of it. Rushing it only leads to problems, which I know all too well.

Thankfully, God will redeem everything He allows. He gives second and third chances if we repent. As He allowed me to rush, fall and get up, year after year, in His grace He protected, healed and redirected me through His Word. He placed in my path my wonderful husband, and spiritual mentors to make the rocky journey not only tolerable but blessed.

I am truly thankful that God has allowed my plans to have interruptions and delays because the very things that appear to be holding me back can be the things that stimulate me to grow in my faith and trust in Him. Isn’t patience part of the fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22) Who am I that I would be wise enough to know how to plan out my hours and days? Especially when I typically underestimate how long anything is going to take?

Haste makes waste. A good thing to remember. I researched that word again. “Haste: swiftness of motion, speed, celerity…urgent need of quick action; a hurry or rush…unnecessarily quick action, thoughtless, rash, or undue speed.”

Proverbs: 21:5:

“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” KJV

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you farther behind.” The Message

I wonder how many things I messed up on because I rushed ahead of God’s intended timing. And how many lives I may have caused to change their pace to keep up with mine. This is heart and soul work as I repent and resolve to do better for Him and others.

For my more mature-in-age dear readers feeling regrets, like I am, God loves you and anything from your past, He will redeem. And anything from your present, He will lead and guide you through in His perfect timing. For any of my dear younger women readers who, like I am, want things to have happened already, God loves you and knows your heart better than you do. He is faithful. Seek Him with all your heart and everything you desire will come to you in the best timing ever. (Matthew 6:33)

To the dear couple in that check-out lane at Kroger, take your time, I am sorry that for one second, I thought you were an interruption in my day. You were a blessing straight from my Heavenly Father.