We have just started a new semester. I wasn’t sure we would ever finish the fall semester with all the weather delays. But thankfully, we put last semester to bed and we have begun a new one. It’s a new group of kids to train in the “Creamer” way. They are in for lots of stories, anecdotes and maybe a few lessons based on the curriculum.

One thing I do in the first few days of class is take a survey. I ask the students about their interests, favorite movies and music and things they like to do. It gives me a chance to get to know them and to introduce myself. Some of their answers elicit laughs, while others help us connect on some level. We take a few minutes the first few days to go over their answers to the survey.

One of my favorite questions is: “What do you like to do the most and the least?” I do remind them to keep it school appropriate. Typical likes include sleeping, spending time with family and friends, and watching movies. Typical dislikes include reading, cleaning their rooms, and coming to school. No major surprises.

I did have to chuckle at one recent answer. The student said that waiting drove them crazy. Boy, do I understand that. I get impatient for Christmas, spring, and the arrival of snow. I guess that is a short list because I don’t like waiting at stop lights or the grocery store lines, either. I know I am not alone. I know that there are plenty of people who have a hard time waiting.

I am trying to learn how to wait better. My wife is teaching me to carry a book to places I might have to wait. It does help to pass the time, but I still don’t like to wait. It seems like I hurry to get someplace so I can sit and wait.

I guess this struggle with waiting bleeds over into my spiritual life. I know I am not alone in this: why does God insist on us waiting? I am ready, so let’s go, God. God can be very patient, especially when He is working on us to grow and change. That’s great because I struggle with all kinds of changes AND waiting.

This whole idea of waiting has taken an interesting turn in my professional life. I love being a teacher. Don’t misunderstand, all jobs have good days and bad days. But I can honestly say that most days I am glad to be going to work. As I approached my 30th year I always thought I would retire and find a second career. Well, I am looking at my 30th year in my rear view mirror. What happened?

I think one of the reasons I am enjoying teaching comes from my father-in-law. He taught me that it is a whole lot more fun to go to work when you don’t have to go. If something makes me angry, I can just retire. Also, things don’t bother you near as much when you know you don’t have to do them.

A while back, I thought my time to retire had arrived. I started to clean things out and pack things up. Then I received a word from heaven: wait. It’s the first time I can remember that I was just fine with waiting. As I said, I love teaching. I have to admit, I am intrigued by some new adventure with God, but if He isn’t ready, I am OK waiting.

I can smell change in the wind much like the smell of a spring rain before it arrives. I am a little nervous about the new adventure, whatever it might be, but I have faith that God is planning something good for my future. That’s why I have to wait; the plans aren’t ready yet. I have new things to learn, new challenges to tackle, and new dreams to dream. I still have to wait even though I feel this excitement building inside. I know that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength so they will be able to run and fly with Him.

I want to encourage those who find themselves waiting on God. I normally hate to wait, but I am learning to trust the Lord because He is busy working out all the details. I can look back on my life now and understand why I had to wait. I believe God is planning something good for those who have to wait, so let’s agree to trust Him. I believe if we do our part and wait, God will work for us at the right time.

Contact Doug at doug@dougcreamer.com