Waiting..................

She went out into the garden to take a little rest from her busy day. It was a beautiful garden, cultivated with long hours of planning, planting and tending.
"The roses have grown so much this year!", she thought. "It's almost like another house made of roses. I love the way the trees frame the entry. I'll sit among the roses for a while and enjoy them while they last."
She sat and breathed in their lovely fragrance and watched the way the light played with the leaves; changing them from a deep velvet green to a lighter, younger, new Spring green. A small bird perched on the pergola, looking for insects and chirping a call to his wife to come and join him.
The picture was one of peace and life and beauty. A complete moment.......almost........something was missing. She was thoroughly enjoying this respite, but something was missing. "Oh, I should only be greatful for this, what is wrong with me?"
So she waited. She waited for a long while, putting aside her busy day and making herself quiet in anticipation. Once, she almost gave up to go back to her work, but then thought, "No, I'll wait a while longer, because what if I miss what is coming? I'm sure something will happen if I wait a bit longer."
As she looked to the entry of the pergola, she saw a light along the path, glowing golden like an early sun. At first she thought it might only be because of the time of day, something she hadn't noticed before. But the light kept glowing and she found she couldn't take her eyes off of it. The whole of the garden paled in comparison.
"My child."
"Oh, my Lord! I'm so glad to hear you again. Was it you who made me wait?"
"I do not make my children do things, but I do draw them, beckon them, call to them. The key is in the listening for, the looking for, the Seeking. When you seek Me you will find Me. But if you are hurried or casual about it; you will only get a piece of what I have to give you... only when you seek with your whole heart, with all you are, can I give you so much more ."
"This is so hard sometimes, Lord. My life is so full of things that keep me busy, many of them good things. How can I just drop everything to hear you?"
"Life is full, I designed it that way. But not all that is good is best. By spending time with Me you will learn what is best and what can be left at least for a while. By spending time with Me I will tune your ear to listen to My voice, my beckoning, my teaching and encouragement. Time away from Me tends to dull your ear to recognize My voice in the smallest of moments, the seemingly unlikely moments. I love most to whisper, my child. I will train your ear to hear even My whisper."
"Then, it is so much worth everything to take the time for only You, my Lord. Thank you for your light, your voice, your calling to me in this moment. It truly makes the picture complete. I love You, my Lord."
"I love you, my child. Rest in My love and always be listening, because I am always with you."

(painting: "In the Shade", by Walter Cox, 1866-1930, http://cgfa.sunsite.dk)