this season & the next

I just finished reading an incredible post by one of my favorite bloggers, Moriah, of Moriah Makes. She is in a very different stage of life and has loads of experience and wisdom which I can only dream of someday possessing. Here's what she said, with some editing on my part:

"...I'm trying my best to be patient, to grow in this season and to be ready for what's next. It's not like I'm at a standstill or anything.... But, there's a big part of me that is having a hard time waiting. The problem is that I want to get through this season as fast as possible with my own hands, think of ways to make progress in my own eyes and get the ball rolling on what I think God has for us... and that's not how it works. So, I'm learning to be patient and continually praise God..."

Ditto, man. I've been looking at this season as one to just get through. (And by season I mean this season, this stage, of life, not the actual season of winter.) I hate not having a full-time teaching job. I hate not having kids. I hate the long, cold days and Joel's constant work load in the evenings. I hate living so far from our families and having to travel for every vacation. I hate the way my schedule doesn't leave much room for running or hanging out with friends. I hate having dental coverage that doesn't cover very expensive but very necessary oral surgery.

I keep thinking if only we can make it through to the next phase... when we get to move... when Joel gets a change of his workload... when we get to have a baby.... when we have a vacation... when we travel somewhere new & exciting... when it's sunny outside.... etc. 

But that's NOT what God has called me to, right now or ever. I'm called to obey him daily, constantly. I'm called to live for Him and love others well in exactly this season, despite my circumstances. So that's what I'll be working on, in this season, with His strength.