FIVE

Almighty God, I pray for guidance in all my endeavors. Lead me through the paths of the righteous, as I have been struggling with trying to accomplish tasks in my own strength. Guide me, Father, as I listen attentively to the sound of your voice. I know that all things are possible because I believe in You and that I can do all things through You, who gives me strength.

I think I am pretty good at praying. I may not do it the way you do, but I accomplish what I need to in terms of communication. I've gotten better at the listening part too. I've learned how to shut off some of the noise so I can hear. I am also learning that sometimes there isn't an answer. Sometimes there are several answers. Sometimes there are none. And sometimes it's the answer I dislike most, wait.

Wait.

Keep waiting.

It's okay, just wait.

Some days I want to jump up and yell, "Really. Wait. Won't you even give me a hint?"

Then I remember a lesson from a teacher. He used a medicine and I asked what it was. He said it was good medicine and I said yes it was but asked again what was it. He just smiled and went on with ceremony. He told me later that if he had told me what that medicine was I would have made note of it and began looking for it and where to find it, maybe even stockpiling it. That would not be good. I didn't know how to use it in any form. And, I had no authority to use it. So knowing exactly what it was would just create more trouble and hardship for me. When I was ready to know and use that medicine, it would be given. It was. And when it was, I received it with much more respect and focus than I could have on that day when I had asked. 

When I get impatient, I try to remember that lesson. 

And then I wait.