Thursday thoughts: God's timing is perfect

Have you heard the phrase, ”timing is everything?” I use that quite often, probably sometimes more often than my family would like.

For instance, I got my hair cut a few weeks ago and I had her cut it a little shorter than usual. That evening when I arrived home my husband said, “Oh, you got your haircut. It looks nice but I like it when it's a little longer.” Now don’t get me wrong, I know that he had no intention of hurting my feelings or upsetting me at all. He just said what was on his mind and didn’t think another thing of it. Later when I talked to him and told him he hurt my feelings he was so very sorry. I suggested to him if he had waited until the next time I was going to get my hair cut and just casually said “Hey, why don’t you just get it trimmed because I like it longer?” it would have made all the difference in the world. Timing is everything!

Another example was last week when one of my granddaughters and her mom (my daughter) had been in a “slight confrontation." Believe it or not, my granddaughter might have been a tad sarcastic and maybe a little disrespectful. She stormed off into the sitting area in my bedroom. I waited about 20 minutes and went into the room and had planned on talking to her. The minute I said her name and she looked at me I knew my timing was off. I’m sure you can use your imagination to envision the look I received. I just said, “Never mind,” and decided I would save my talk for a little later. Timing is everything!

One last situation that you probably all can understand is picking the correct check-out line at the grocery store. Need I say more? Timing is everything!

It makes me think how my timing is not always perfect or good, but thankfully God’s is!! It is my nature to be a people pleaser, however, I know I have said things at the wrong time and hurt someone’s feelings totally unintentionally. It's something I never want to do, but the truth is I’m human and I know I have. My timing is off.

I try to read responses from people and pick and choose my words wisely, however, I know there have been times when my anger or impatience has gotten the best of me. At those times, I might just have ignored all the “signs and looks”. My timing is off.

I analyze the lines at the grocery store to pick the right one, but honestly, it always seems like the one I choose is inevitably the line that has a problem. It could be the cashier needs to change her register paper or the person checking out can’t find their coupons, etc., etc. My timing is off.

I am so glad that God’s timing is perfect. His clock is always correct – I just have to check my “God watch” to be on the same time! I know that if I can pick the right time to “voice my feelings” my words will be much more well received or at least a little more welcome and thought about by the person I am delivering them to.

Isn’t there a verse about a gentle reminder (Proverbs 15:1) and how it turns away wrath? Isn’t that what God wants? I also know if I can “read” a situation or notice a look or mood, I would be able to respond in a more appropriate manner when the person I am responding to is more receptive. I think there is a verse or two about that as well, like waiting on the Lord. And lastly, why do I look at long lines or interrupted plans as being an inconvenience? Why don’t I look at it as an opportunity? What if the cashier in the “long” line needs a kind word, a smile, or some encouragement? What if the person in front of or behind me needs the exact same kind words or encouragement? I think I miss so many opportunities because of my impatience or just not being observant of those around me.

I don't want to miss any opportunities. I need to be aware of the times when God just wants me to share a little love and be a reflection of all He has done for me! Today, for some reason, I am burdened about timing. I don’t want to rush through every day on my timetable. I want to enjoy every day on God’s timetable.

I am reminded so often these days of how short my time here on earth is. I don’t want to miss or waste any of that time. I am praying that my timing will be in line with God's timing. I am praying that He will allow me to be a gentle reminder, so I don’t hurt feelings, hurry my responses, or speak out of turn.

My desire is to be a constant reflection of the love and grace that He gives to me. I want my timing to remind those around me that God loves them. I want to time my responses correctly and speak truth, love, and encouragement into someone's life.

I also desire my everyday life to reflect God’s timing, not mine! Remind, respond, and reflect are the words that I want to daily think about and focus on. Asking God to allow me to focus on these things will align my timing with His. I desire my timing to be a reflection of God's timing.

In light of this, I think I might just look for the long checkout line the next time I'm at the grocery. Timing is everything especially when you are wearing your "God watch."

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