Happy delays

“Be still before the Lord; wait for God.” Psalm 37:7a

Have you ever experienced some mishaps along the road or a when your plans do not turn out to be the way it should be during your journey?

I’ve had them several times. One time, we were stranded in an island because of a storm and everything got delayed for a day. But we were able to cross the seas safely and got an extra day just contemplating about life and was able to spend more bonding time with friends.

A necessary stop along the journey.

Or that time when a car broke down. We came from an out-of-town weekend to serve in a retreat. As we headed back to the city, one of my friends experienced a car malfunction. We all stopped at the side of the highway with no house in sight. Not all of us were of help, yet we all wanted to keep our friend in company since the sun would be setting anytime soon. Well, it turned out to be a photo picnic for many of us as we took snapshots of each other in the middle of nowhere.

Making it a fun moment than wallow on the unexpected delay.

We get disappointed when our journey is hampered by some unexpected events. Even in life, we feel burdened when things suddenly come up that slows down our daily routine, such as sickness, or a surprise visit from a relative, or a missed opportunity. Though this may not necessarily come from God, He allows it to happen so we can just be still and have some quiet moments with Him. Sometimes we take matters into our own hands that we do not leave room for God to move in our lives.

I miss those times when I just sit down and watch the sun set.

Or just sit down and look at the sky, the clouds, the waves, and feel the wind all around me.

When there are delays, take the moment to look around and enjoy the things around you.

Or just being beside a friend or a stranger who needs some company.

It may be an opportunity to minister or be ministered.

Or marveling at how God has blessed me with so much. Then I begin to wonder why I’ve been dissatisfied with life sometimes.

Make it a time to commune with God.

There was a time when we were waiting for the next train at a subway station. My companions were in a hurry that they almost stepped into the first train that stopped. I told them, “not yet,” and they looked at me in bewilderment. I told them that that train was heading to a different destination and the right train would be the next one. So we sat there and waited. I was confident because I studied the train stops and trips and they took my word because they trusted me to have done my part by doing research ahead of time. Better to wait and get on the right train than to hurry and head to the wrong direction.

I’m on a waiting period. But God knows the right directions and the perfect schedule. So I sit still and wait for Him because I trust that He knows best what is the right journey for me.

Waiting can also mean enjoying the moment.

When was the last time God allowed some delays in your plans? What did you learn from it? Share your stories at firsttimetravel@hotmail.com.