It is berry piking time for us, at least for the mulberries and strawberries we have. Our strawberry plants are new this year, so the fruit isn’t abundant yet. However, the mulberries are very abundant this year and it takes time to pick.
We try to get the kids to help picking and sometimes they do, very excitedly, and sometimes it is begrudgingly. They start the season out excited to help, but it quickly drains away. When it is just my husband and I, we are in our own thoughts or listening to podcasts. My kids happily pick all the needs to be picked the first few days, but then their help comes and goes in waves. They help pick for a few minutes here and there until done taking many breaks. However, on those begrudging days when one or both of my kids join, we end up having life lessons while berry picking.
We’ve talked on and off over the past year or so about moving, however, right now we are in a wait period. We don’t when or where yet. Our conversation on it has shifted from what it is we are hoping to find and where to how can we make the most of where we are at. Where can we grow, what can we learn, what can we do.
So recently during one of those life lessons while berry picking chats, I asked my oldest, who is ten, why do you want to move? After he shared his reasons, I asked if he knew what we would be gaining and giving up here where we are at when we move? This last question is one we’ve talked a bit about, because when you move you gain and you give up.
He talked about the things we would gain or be able to expand on more with more space. But he was uncertain about what would we would be giving up. So we ran through the different things we have now and can do with that, as well as what activities we are doing now that we may or will have to give up.
After, we went back over the reasons he wanted to move and came up with ways we can do as much of that now, while we wait. It not be to the full extent, but could we incorporate it in some way into where we are now. We talked about how we can make the most of where we are at and what do we want to learn.
The mindshift to making the most of where we are at isn’t always an easy one to make or keep. But it is often the one while we wait for the next step or the next move we need to make. Waiting is hard, no matter how long of a wait it is. As a kid, all wait times seem to take forever and are an inconvenience . As we get older, the minor wait periods aren’t as long as they were when we were kids and mostly go unnoticeable. It is the longer stretches that stretch us, shape us, and we notice. We learn as we grow patience. Patience allows are to wait and allows those minor wait periods to become part of our day to day. What about those longer wait stretches?
The longer wait stretches are the ones that test us and grow us. Sometimes we start out patient, but over time it dwindles. Other times we jump right into I aint’t got time for this. Shifting our mindset to how can I make the most out of where we are at allows our patience to last a little longer. It allows us to be open to learning, growing, and letting God lead. Is it easy or simple? Not usually. I am still working on it myself.
There is a reason we are in a wait period. Sometimes we know and understand the reason, but often we don’t know the reason or understand. Occasionally we know the reason, but don’t understand…yet. We are left with the question why or when.
Looking at what we can do to make the most out of the wait opens our heart and ears to listen and learn, to be ready. But it also helps us to take steps forward, helps us to find the reason or helps us to understand. It guides us to the answers of why or when.
I have gone through many wait periods in my 41 years. Many of them it was just a part of life and the next step. However, I’ve had some longer stretches, ones that came after storms. I must admit, there are times now when I look back I still ask why. And unfortunately, I may never know the why. I may never fully know the reason or understand. It used to bother me and I would dwell on it. But recently I’ve been learning to let the reason, the understanding unfold in it’s time. It will come when the time is right, when it is a part of God’s time and plan. In the meantime, what can I do to make the most of where I am at.
The beauty of making the most of where you are at is that you don’t have to be in a waiting period. You can make the most everyday, any time by taking a moment to look at what you have right now and coming up with how to can utilize all aspects to the greatest potential. Or, at least what smaller steps can you take now to work towards the greatest potential. How can you make the most of where you are at right now?
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time.” Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7 ESV
I pray that whatever you are facing that you take steps, no matter how big or how small, towards making the most of where you are at. If it is a time of struggle, I pray for peace and strength that will follow you through this. If is a time of wait, I pray you let patience settle deep within.
heartroots.net 