Perfect Timing
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV)
When I lived in Florida, I used to love watching the sandhill cranes and their babies wandering through the neighborhood. They would eat seeds right out of my hand (but not the babies). Tez Brooks has a story to share, a close call where God showed up and nature took its course.
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“Oh My,” I whispered as I drove by the water near my place of employment.
A mother sandhill crane had built her nest smack-dab in the middle of the shallow pond, perhaps in hopes her eggs would be safe from predators. The tiny island she created out of mud and grass seemed a genius idea. But what would happen when the rainy season arrived? Would her brood drown?
Sure enough, the rains came, and the bird’s offspring had not yet hatched. From my desk at work, I looked out at the crane stubbornly sitting on her eggs as the ominous liquid rose, promising to overtake the island.
Thirty minutes later, I glanced out to see her standing knee-deep in water, fussing with her submerged eggs. I shook my head and went back to work.
Quitting time found me driving to the pond to see what disaster had occurred. To my surprise, the mama and two soaking-wet baby cranes were standing in the water where the nest had been.
Hatched, just in time.
I become anxious when the rains of life come and threaten my tranquil existence. I pray but at times it seems God isn’t listening because the floods continue to overwhelm me. Yet He is at work behind the scenes—His timing is perfect. Just when I’m ready to give up hope, He reveals His plan. It’s not always the way I’d prefer, but He answers just in time.
Dear God, give me patience when You seem to be late. I don’t have to understand Your plans. But help me trust that You are good, and Your schedule is flawless. AMEN.