Waiting

I was preparing to start a new class called “God Delights in You.”  I see people struggle knowing deep within how much God truly loves them.  My heart goes out to them, as I was once there. My passion is to share that not only does God love you, he truly delights in you.

Only a few signed up. I started to doubt. What must I do, Lord?

My happy place is at the beach, so I took a walk. The ocean reminds me of God’s extravagant and endless love for us. The sound of the waves calms my heart. As the wind brushes my cheek, the smell of salt air fills my nostrils. Swimming in the ocean gives me such pleasure as if I am immersing myself in God’s vast sea of love.

Feeling unsettled, I rambled on to God, since the class was starting in a few weeks.      I felt heard.  Then it was time to be still. So, I sat on a rock and looked out to sea.

I noticed this one adult surfer. Sitting on his board. Waiting. Waves passed by. Until this one wave approached, and he moved towards it. At the right time, he stood up and rode the wave all the way to shore.

Then I saw a boy, maybe ten or eleven, who tried to catch every wave, some even after they crashed. He did stand up, but only for a few seconds before he fell.

God was saying to me, “Wait. For the right wave. And the right timing. You will stand up. Then they will come. Together we will ride to the shore that is grounded in love.”

“Ok, Lord,” I responded. “I will wait and trust you.”

Slowly, people signed up, including clergy and spiritual directors, until the group was full. They hunger to experience God’s delight, not only for themselves and for those they serve. I apologized to God for doubting. I know in my head if he has called me to something, he will bring it about. I just need to do my part: trust and wait for God to do his. Like the surfer who felt joy at riding the wave to shore, the joy of witnessing others deepen their relationship with God is beyond words.

What are you waiting for?

Anne Marie Richardson, 2026