We celebrated the boy’s birthday yesterday. It wasn’t the actual day on the calendar, but he had a day off and the rest of us were free, so we scheduled the dinner.
It was only a few days ago we decided on the date. The Lovely Lady and I had a short trip to Tennessee that took a couple of those days. Before we knew it, we were almost upon the date and we hadn’t ordered a present.
But, you know there’s this online service (the name sounds a bit like a piece of beef you’d order in an upscale restaurant) that promises delivery in two days.
We were sure it would be on time.
The day came and I checked my email for tracking. All seemed okay, with the package having arrived at the local distribution center early that morning.
It would be on time.
Further checks throughout the day told a different story. At noon, the package was still in the distribution center. I checked at four o’clock, with the same story.
It wouldn’t be on time.
At five, we sat down to dinner with the family, including the boy. Dinner proceeded, finishing in about half an hour.
Time to open presents.
Ours wasn’t there.
With great disappointment, we told him we’d have to get it to him the next time we saw him. He’s a strong independent young man, who had no intention of making his grandparents sad.
“No problem at all! I’ll just have my birthday longer!”
We laughed. I checked my phone again.
“Out for Delivery,” read the screen!
Ten minutes later, the delivery vehicle was in the street in front of the house. Eagerly, he tore open the package we handed him.
On time!
Our best efforts seemed to be thwarted, but instead, the package was right on time.
Right. On. Time.
I’m not good at the patience thing. I watch the clock, clicking the refresh button on my screen, disappointed every time.
The Preacher said there was a time and season for everything. Everything.
“To everything there is a season,
And a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:1, KJV)
I don’t want to wait. I want the answer now! Well before the deadline, I want to hold it in my hand, certain that I am prepared for whatever comes.
And yet, our Father up above created time, and the seasons, and the answers we crave. He’s the one who knew exactly when to send His Son.
“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son. . .that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.”
(Galatians 4: 4-5, NASB)
His gifts are good. They are perfect.
They are on time.
There are a number of those gifts I’m still waiting on. (Patience, for one.)
I wasn’t sure about the online service. I’m confident—absolutely certain—about His timing.
He’s always on time. Always.
I’ll wait. You?
“God’s timing is always perfect. Trust His delays. He’s got you.”
(Tony Evans)
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”
(James 1:17, NASB)
© Paul Phillips. He’s Taken Leave. 2024. All Rights Reserved.