It is not an easy place to be – this no man’s land of unanswered prayers and constantly asked questions. For almost a year now, I have lived in a sort of limbo – questioning whether my role in life has somehow messed with my soul.
It is not a question of what I do, but of who I have become within this waiting period. I like my jobs. I love writing and I find coaching to be stimulating and fun. I love encouraging other writers and helping hurting women and putting the same 26 letters together to create different words and sentences.
Perhaps it is the age thing, edging closer to Medicare and not sure exactly how that happened when just yesterday I was 29.
Maybe it is because I am observing my wonderful son as he steps into a new job and moves forward to reach some of the goals of his life. I am so proud of him yet knowing that as he steps forward, I will be left behind. That emotional umbilical cord originates in the mother and stays connected. Only the child can truly cut it.
Perhaps this place of questioning comes from observing the changes in my mother’s condition, watching the Alzheimer’s steal her away piece by fragile piece. Scripture speaks the truth. Our lives are only a vapor…”a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).
Have I completed the tasks God designed for me to do before the foundation of the world? Can I still write more words, complete my goal of a book each year and yet find time to build relationships with the people I hope to reach?
Is God moving puzzle pieces around, fashioning the last pieces of this life on Earth so that he can sound that trumpet and bring his family home?
What is my role in these desperate days and am I taking as much care of my soul as I am of my role?
Trying to figure out the next stages of life can drive me crazy, so I travel back to the place where hope finds seeds of truth – that faith foundation that leaves the details in God’s hands.
My role is to persevere, to keep writing and coaching and serving, even as I wait for God to complete his sanctifying work in me.
And even if he calls me to live in this place of limbo, I seek hope within the waiting because I know he has a good plan and eventually – in the timing of his eternal clock – he’ll make it clear.
©2014 RJ Thesman – “Intermission for Reverend G” – http://amzn.to/1l4oGoo
Wow. Your words really hit home. I have been pondering very similar things. What I will grab onto deeply is “taking care of my soul… and His sanctifying work in me.” Thank you. Have a blessed day!
I am finding many women in the same type of limbo and wonder what God is doing – how he is moving puzzle pieces together for “such a time as this.”
“That emotional umbilical cord originates in the mother and stays connected. Only the child can truly cut it.” You expressed that truth so well. May God bless you richly during your time in limbo.
And bless you, too, as your emotional cord stretches with the growth of your children.
Hello, Rebecca, Did I ever need to read this today. This is exactly what I am going through in life…..limbo! Your words were so beautifully written. Thank you and God for the timing of this email. Hope you have a fun weekend. Susan
Thanks for your comment, Susan. I have met several women who are going through the same type of limbo, so that makes me wonder what God is up to. We just have to keep trusting and listening hard.