Something I at times struggle with is telling the young people around me, I didn’t have the answer they want. It really isn’t because there is no answer, rather it was because I was of a different generation and I had a different perspective and a lot of exposure. I wasn’t exposed to quick answers rather I was raised to ask myself questions until I had exhausted all options then ask for help from others. This means that I don’t have simple answers to their questions rather a classroom for all of us.

We began the journey to figure out life, ask questions, wait on God and only a few are still with me.

Why are they few? God didn’t answer in the expected time frame. He didn’t give the answer many wanted. He said wait and trust but the time lag was too long. He didn’t make sense and didn’t seem interested in making our lives easier and simpler. We asked for things and he said yes but things went in ways they didn’t want.

The questions are many and I wish I could just tell them what to do but that isn’t how to do life. If I tell them what to do all the time, when will they learn to think, pray, wait and work things out? It has been frustrating for all of us because I want to help but I know I have to hold back and they want to know but many are too conditioned to being told what to do that they don’t know how to break down a problem and dig until they find the solution.

I have shared the word, had conversations, answered questions, asked questions, but very little has changed. I repeated myself over and over, tried to live it out, shared my life and opened my home but it didn’t change a lot for them. So I began to wonder if it is me or them or both of us. Had I been unclear? Had I used language they didn’t understand? Was I too caring and loving to them? Did I protect them too much or did I gloss over things? Was I too hard and harsh? Is life too confusing? Why didn’t things change?

Then one of them reached out and we had the most inspiring conversation.

I am beginning to figure out the meaning of being intentional

And what does it mean?

Knowing what you want to achieve and working your way to it with a clear picture of the goal in mind.

And doing it all the time whether or not you feel like it

In this way nothing will ever change your course. Wow! It took me long enough to finally understand that.

You had to learn it yourself. Do you know why I don’t give you answers to all your questions but ask many questions?

So that we can figure it out by ourselves I guess?

True. Why do I want you to figure it out?

So that the lesson never leaves our minds and it makes us stronger.

Now you have it. My deepest desire is that you meet and trust God and that the lessons you learn change you forever. Take it as time to rest and meditate, seek clarity, receive inspiration and illumination then write that plan. Scripture says, “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV.

Meditation is hard-like. I tried it once.

The meditation I’m talking about is deep thinking and listening with God.

That’s the same idea I had.

I am glad.

How does it go?

It is a skill you learn with practice. Let me just say it took me about a year to really get into it but everything changed when I did.

I gave up too early then?

Yes you did. Until now, you have believed that things should be easy and so when it’s hard you don’t try and just give up.

That was then, now I think I am better than giving up.

Yippee!!! Keep at it.

This conversation gave me hope that we are all growing and one day the fullness of  God’s plan will unfold and we will celebrate it.