Don't Rush Me

"Don't rush me" was my signature saying from the time I was very young.  With two older brothers who knew what they wanted and how they wanted it, I found making decisions took some thought.  This "pause" on life drove them crazy.  Which now that I look at it from an adult perspective was part of the plan.  Of course there are times in life when we have to "decide" and then just go for it. 

There are a lot of "decisions" happening this time of year.  Graduates are considering what school or job they will pursue.  Couples are saying "I will" to a lifetime of relationship.  Students are anticipating a summer off and what they will do with all their "free time".  Many people move during this time of year which gives them time to re-evaluate what is important to live with.  Farmers are planting what they have been planning all winter and are hopeful this year will be a more productive year.  With spring brings transition and newness of life.  With spring brings a feeling of hope.

And yet, with all the anticipated, looking forward to the changes we feel a little anxiousness, a little "Don't rush me"   kind of feeling.  We know with every change there will be things we like and things we don't.  Sometimes like the Israelites in the wilderness we will be tempted to want to "go back" because the "way is too hard"

I listened to a sermon the other day called "Move On".  The story used was a couple who had gone to the Oregon and were hiking on a trail filled with numerous waterfalls.  Most of the waterfalls were easily seen or reached from the main trail which was flat and easily traveled.  But one particular one which was supposed to be spectacular was a little harder to reach.  The couple decided to hike the trail to this particular waterfall but the trail became rougher with more incline and twists and turns.  Tired they were ready to turn back when a man came toward them obviously returning from their intended destination.  "How much further they inquired?"  The man from another country (probably German) spoke slowly and smiled,  "It's a little further.  The way is hard but it is worth it." 

After this encounter the couple decided they would go on.  Indeed the way was harder.  The path turned rocky, steeper and narrow.  Finally, tired and winded they heard in the distance the "falls"  When they walked a bit further and came to the opening where they saw the most incredible site.  The falls was the most magnificent and powerful they had ever seen.  They stood in the incredible beauty, awe and power and felt the hand of God upon them.  Their eyes, ears and hearts experienced God's majestic creation and they were filled with a kind of joy they couldn't describe in mere words.

When the couple returned home they kept saying to each other " what if we had stopped and turned back?  What we would have missed."  When you find yourself in transition and the way is getting hard, may you hear God whisper, " It's a litte further.  The way is hard but it will be worth it." 

God, the next time I say " don't rush me"  please remind me "it will be worth it"  Amen.