How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1 NIV

Yesterday, snow and sleet yielded to lamentable cold rain. For those facing illness and death, their own or loved ones’, this is an apt description of the season. It is also apt for those of us who are impatient. How long do I have to practice until I can play that piece? How long until I get published? How long until I can open my gifts?

Um, what about His gifts—His ultimate gift?

How easy it is to forget what the wintery Advent season is really about; to forget that God never forgets us; to hide our faces from Him when we sin. To wallow in anger and self-pity rather than draw close to His goodness, sing His praises, and embrace the long wait.

Long in time and goodness

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 NIV 

To children, parents are like God, loving and nurturing, and mine were no exception. I wish I had loved them better, honored them for the goodness they gave me. I wish they had lived longer. My father died at age 72, Mother at 96. Long, very long compared to many but never long enough for those who grieve their loss. 

Time is the most valuable thing we have on this earth. But looking back, I realize the past is populated with people and places where I no longer belong. It is the now, the present that demands my attention, to honor my father and mother by passing on their goodness and that which I’ve learned during my own earthly journey.

Long in gratitude and praise

I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 104:33 NIV

Though Christmas is a season for music, I sing and practice my flute almost every day of the year. After decades away from singing and playing, I’m grateful to be able to make joyful noises unto the Lord, especially in church with my brothers and sisters in Christ, as here during yesterday’s service. 

To praise Him in whatever way I can for as long as I am able, for as long as I live.

Long in waiting and hope

Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, or in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV

Things planned long ago, wonderful things. Keith and I praise Him every day for the beauty of His creation, as here at Vanaprastha. God planned long ago to give us His one and only Son to save us, to offer us eternal life. 

So, when I lament losses, rejections, or disruptions in my days, may I wait patiently, may I faithfully embrace the hope of this Advent season.

Linkup with Five Minute Friday: https://fiveminutefriday.com/2024/12/12/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-long/