IN A SNOWSTORM YET

In March 2008 a big snowstorm surprised us on a Living Room day. And it was almost April! Snowflakes fell, huge and thick and fast. They were sticking to the grass and to the trees.

With all that snow, we expected to have a smaller turnout than usual.

We made only thirty cups of coffee instead of the usual thirty-six. Not a good decision, because we ended up with a big turnout of twenty-two. One after another, they kept coming in the door. We pushed five long tables together to make one huge one. Even then, we were packed pretty tight. We formed a cozy gathering.

The coffee ran out, so did the hot water, and the cold water. We ran out of meat and veggies. And yet there was lots of other food to eat. Wonderful Cob’s buns and Cob’s apricot bread. Tillamook cheese, fudge brownies, and much more. No one went hungry

The day’s topic was, “Waiting Games.” We talked about how it seems like all of life is a series of waiting games.

We looked at biblical figures like Moses and Abraham and how they had to wait patiently for what God had promised. If we can trust God to do the same in us we can learn and grow while we wait.

The questions I asked the group were these: “List some of the things you are waiting for. How do you feel about this waiting?” After everyone had written their thoughts on their paper, we opened it up for discussion. One member eagerly shared what she was waiting for and amazed us with her story:

Her family had been renting the same house for fourteen years, their kind landlord never raising the rent during all that time. Now he was selling the house and they might have to move to more expensive accommodation, something they couldn’t afford. They might have to move to a much smaller place that would be cramped for them.

This person’s take on it was this, and I’ll try to remember what she said:

“I’m excited, looking forward to see what God has in store for us. We may have to move to a two-bedroom apartment, but if we do we’ll get triple high bunk beds.  I know everything will work out. I trust what God will do for us, he’s always come through in the past. God is good. It will all work out.”

This person’s faith and trust in God was something to behold. I felt as though we didn’t need to go any further with the discussion. But we did, and many people joined in. We all managed to encourage each other.

What we realized is that the important thing when we wait is to keep praying and to partner with God in bringing about a good ending. By praying we are encouraged to have the right attitude and to live in such a way that we can wait with patience and trust.