Have you heard of writer’s block? I have. I have lived it! It is a waiting for words.

Yes, when we have writer’s block, we are waiting for the words to come. We try, and we try. We think. We chew on our pencils. We gaze out the window. We refill the coffee cup, again. And still…nothing.

Sometimes we live life like that, too. We are blocked—waiting and waiting for the words to come.

When we get a new haircut, we are waiting for the compliments to flow. Instead, we hear this: “Oh, did you get a haircut?”

When we look ravishing in our new outfit, we do not hear that we look so. Instead, we are asked if we got new clothes and what the outfit cost. And then what is even more consternating is when we wear a ten-year-old outfit from the back of the closet and people rave over it and give us a plethora of compliments.

When we give of our time and effort, especially when there is sacrifice involved, we wait to hear someone say “thank you.” Instead, we find there is no acknowledgement, or worse, there is criticism.

Puzzling? Yes. Why won’t the words for which I am waiting come?

A cause for impatience? Yes. When are the words going to come? I am waiting for the words.

I want to hear that you are proud of me, or that I did a good job, or that I “rock.” Instead, I hear deafening silence.

I want to hear you tell me that you love me, that I mean more to you than anything, and that you can’t live your life without me. Instead, I hear the newscasters’ voices filling the room.

I want to hear “How’d your day go?”, but you never even ask. I wonder if you know that I even had a day that went.

When I know I have done something amazing and skillful, I do not hear the words that proclaim you would like to be able to do that or be able to be like me.

There is no effort to know me, to love me unconditionally, to forgive me, to encourage me. I am waiting for the words. But the words do not come.

No, these words do not come.

I am still waiting for the words.

And then, the words come—from God’s lips to my ears, from God’s heart to mine. “Peace, be still. I know you. You are loved unconditionally. You are forgiven. I think you are beautiful. You did a fabulous job. You are so artistic, creative, and talented, just like I made you to be.”

You see, I had been waiting for words to come that I thought would bring life to me, but instead, I found THE WORD (Jesus), who brings life itself. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 KJV)

Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63 NKJV)

He tells me to listen to His voice, to know it, to come forth to receive all He has for me.

My whole thought process has changed. My perspective has changed. My purpose has changed. I am not here to receive the applause of men, I am here to know and serve the living God. It is His voice I need to have in my ear, His impressions that need to be made upon my heart and mind.

What peace floods my soul now. My satisfaction is in Him.

But you know, I have to be honest—there are still some words I am waiting to hear, words of His. I am waiting for the words: “Well done.” So, while I wait for those words to come—when my days upon this earth have ended and my days in His eternal presence have begun—I am going to move the blocks out of the way as I write the story of my life. I am going to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares me and run the race with patience, looking unto the author and finisher of my faith. I am waiting on THE WORD.

Francee Strain, ©May 18, 2018

Photo by Francee Strain