by and by

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Sometimes we ask God for things, but then they take forever (and a day) because God's timing is not our timing. Sometimes the things we want aren't ready; sometimes we aren't ready for the things. In the meantime, lots of things-that-aren't-the-thing present themselves. In the worst case scenario, we get so worn down navigating through disappointment & hopelessness at countless interactions with things-that-are-not-the-thing, that when the thing finally appears, we don't have enough faith or optimism left over to appreciate the magnitude of the fact: the thing we asked God for has appeared.  Instead we are jaded, calloused, grown up. Too responsible to believe, too smart to care. We have a Master's degree in playing it cool & a Doctorate in not getting our hopes up. It's crazy how, when you're young they tell you that what you desire will come with time; but after the time is spent, common sense tells you that what you desire is never coming at all. (Which isn't very logical because everyone eventually ends up where they're going, don't they?) Instead of saying FINALLY & opening our arms, we say NEVER AGAIN and zip our lips, ball our fists & turn our backs. Suddenly even things going right are nothing except a reminder of what could go (& has gone) wrong. 

This month, we must be careful that the behaviors that got us this far (skepticism, doubt, and loyalty exclusively to self) don't send us right back to where we started. In this brave new world, any effort to open our hearts will be rewarded, even if it's just a tiny bit. Ain't nothing wrong with believing the best in folks & receiving goodness & showing love. Most blessings-aside from manna from heaven & the ram in the bush- show up in the form of people. God may not come when you want Him but He's always right on time. And speaking of the Most High-  if someone asked You for something that You specially customized, carved & chiseled- but then when it came time to give the thing to the person who asked for the thing - they barely said thank You & treated the experience like it didn't matter anyway because Your exquisite workmanship took too long- & along the way there were too many counterfeiters spoiling the fun - how would You  feel?

And how is it God's fault we kept getting lured by not-the-thing anyway?? And aren't we grateful for finally learning the difference between the thing & not-the-thing? And aren't we ready to put our skills of discernment to the ultimate test?

And haven't we learned yet that indifference is just another snare of the devil??

Now is the time to rejoice, dammit. The kingdom (whatever that means to You) is here.

"Behold I do a new thing; now it shall spring up. Will ye not know it?"