Delayed Gratification

We live in an instant gratification society. If you're at a stoplight and do not floor it the second it turns green, someone will honk. If I have to wait more than 2 seconds for the page to load, I impatiently tap my fingers on the keyboard. Fast food, microwaves - you get the picture.

But things in life don't always come right away or as planned. Like, some friends of ours that have been trying to adopt for seven years. It's been a tough road! There have been a lot of times that it looked like it was going to happen and then fell through. This week they have a new baby boy. I am absolutely giddy and teary with happiness for them.

And we know a couple who tried and tried to get pregnant and after adopting a son, were very surprised to get pregnant with another one. After being close to them through their infertility they moved away. It was such a blessing to see them this summer with two beautiful boys!

I'm also super happy for the couple in our church who just had their fourth baby in five years, but it seems there is a little extra sweetness when it has involved waiting, suffering and wondering why.

Do you think it's a little like us waiting for Jesus? Our waiting and suffering will add fuel to anticipating the sweetness of Jesus' return.

Lately, I've caught myself feeling like the world is passing me by. People are off going wonderful places and buying grand things. I drive a junky old van, have no job, no retirement, do not own a home.

Does that mean that I am more eager to go to my eternal heavenly home?

How much more do people who have lost loved ones ache and desire for the Lord's return?

After her family completed the five hunger challenge, my friend Jenn commented that the banquet of the Lamb will be so much sweeter for those who have lived in a third world country.

How much more unbelievable will a new, perfected body be to an 18 year old I know of that was paralyzed this winter?

I think it will be heavenly.

Romans 8:18-23
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.