Five Minute Friday – Twenty

According to an online source, when noted in the Bible, twenty can convey a meaning of a complete or perfect waiting period. 

A perfect waiting period. Not necessarily two words I would put together when I find myself in a moment of pause. 

Anxiously looking.
Impatiently hoping.
Intolerantly seeking.
Distractedly busying myself until I find a way out of this seemingly suspended nothingness.

These are things I tend to do when I find myself waiting. 

Seldom do I think of a season of physical inactivity as perfect or complete. More often, I think it is perfectly incomplete, so I fill it with activities that lull me into believing I am at least going somewhere, even if somewhere finds me futilely spinning my wheels.

But to look at a time of waiting as spiritually maturing me, growing me in ways that I cannot necessarily put my finger on but trust to be happening – this is a treasure in the darkness. A sign of learning to rest in Father’s appointed timing. For everything. 

Me most of all.  

Twenty years ago, I had no concept of the fullness of today. I’d no idea how life would entwine into this beautiful conglomeration of moments that turned days and years into a lifetime of love. 

Faithful friends walk beside me still as others have joined along the way. 
Sons and daughters grafted into my heart and family. 
Grandchildren arrive with a burst of sunshine. 
And all the while, a faithful Companion walks beside and with. 

Promises that the waiting is worth it. 

Because all along, life was happening.

Moments strung themselves into years in the blink of an eye, despite the pauses, the resets, and the waiting. 

And as I look behind, I have the courage to look ahead.

Because I know the One in whom my soul delights. 

I have experienced His faithfulness that never leaves me. 

I believe goodness is in store despite the storms and heartache on this side of eternity.

I trust the One who holds the future securely in His keeping as assuredly as He has held my past. 

And when all is said and done, the waiting will be over, and everything will be perfectly complete. 

Whether it be twenty days, twenty years, or merely twenty breaths – I can rest for the rest of my life with the Keeper of my soul. 

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This post was written in conjunction with https://fiveminutefriday.com/2022/07/07/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-twenty/ Teaming up with an online group of writers who encourage others to share the words God has given them. The gist is to write for five minutes on a one-word prompt, then post your writing and link up with others who do the same — no overthinking, no deep editing, just free-writing in a short amount of time.