As Everly approaches the age of two, her opinions and her ability to make those opinions known are advancing exponentially. A few months ago, she started a new habit. Every time we ride in the car and come to a stop sign or red light, she starts calling out, “Go, mommy, go!” 

Even with her car seat facing the rear of the vehicle, she senses the ceasing of motion and feels the need to get things back on track. This week my older daughter fell asleep in her car seat on a family outing to the grocery store. I told my husband to run in for the few necessary items, and I would wait in the car with the girls so that Maya could keep sleeping. I parked the car, excited at the possibility of a few minutes of silence. However, as soon as Nathan got out, Everly began her usual demand. 

“Go, mommy! Mommy, go! Go, go!” She would not let up. After ten minutes straight, I finally started circling the parking lot just to keep her satisfied. Sure enough, as soon as the car began moving, she happily played in her seat without a word. It didn’t matter that we weren’t actually heading towards a destination, constant movement was her main priority. 

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

How often do we fall into the same misconception of stillness? We believe that movement equals progress. When God asks us to slow down, or heaven forbid, to come to a complete standstill, we start begging to get things moving again. And if we stay in one place too long, the feeling of being stuck is so agonizing that we would rather be circling pointlessly than staying still.

In seasons of waiting on direction from God, we prefer pushing forward in the wrong direction over listening for His direction. But in doing that, we use up a lot of time and energy, and find ourselves exhausted, not to mention too distracted to truly seek what God has next. However, if we wait for the Lord to give us His direction, when we hear the gun go off at the starting line of the race we will be rested and ready to run and not be weary. By resting in Him and finding peace in the clarity of His calling, we gain renewed strength in a world circling the parking lot on empty.

Father, you know my tendency to rush ahead to do anything rather than wait patiently. Thank you for promising to guide me and for having a good plan for my life. Give me the perseverance to wait for your direction before moving forward. Show me clearly what you want me to do. I’m listening.

How am I moving in circles rather than waiting on the Lord today?

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