Journeying to Grace

Though it’s January, several shrubs and small trees that typically bloom in late spring are starting to bud months ahead of their ordinary schedule. This new growth seems unnatural for this time of year. Though we may not think this timing is ‘right,’ the trees are responding as they should and are changing because of the surprisingly warm and conducive conditions. This unexpected development doesn’t have to make sense to us or be in the time frame we’ve predetermined to be the correct one. It’s happening as it is meant to. The trees, shrubs, branches, and buds are doing what they’ve been created to do, at the appropriate time.

We tend to believe we know what the best timing is for many situations and events in our lives, so when we experience timing that doesn’t make sense, doesn’t meet our expectations, or doesn’t seem to be ‘correct,’ it’s disappointing. Often, it’s also frustrating, confusing, and discouraging. The answer we had, the timing we counted on, and the goals we set all fade. We take what feels like unexpected steps backward instead of forward and wonder what happened. This is not how we planned it. How good are we about being completely faithful and trusting in God’s timing when it doesn’t match our own?

Though they may not seem like it, these moments (whether they last days, weeks, months, or years) are invitations. They are opportunities right in front of us to reach for God, surrender what we think is ‘right,’ and be open to what He has in mind for us. In faith, we prayerfully turn to God to guide us through these deviations from our well-made plans. We might not understand (or like) what is happening or why, but we do believe the Lord accompanies us, works in us, and eventually reveals His timing to us. When we know longer have the answers, the Lord, who has been waiting, invites us to be more aware of Him and His work in us. Maybe the Lord’s voice is in something ordinary we’ve been overlooking. Maybe we see His new path for us in a subtle detour that we’ll only notice when we allow God to be in control.

I found comfort in Pope Leo XIV’s words in a homily he offered this summer: God does not leave a story (our story) mid-way. In our most challenging and discouraging times of waiting and revising, we faithfully know God is near. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice; have mercy also upon me, and answer me. (Psalm 27:7) Let us pray for the graces of patience and peace as we trust, hope, and have courage in God’s loving work and perfect timing in us. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)