Purpose Blockers

Last night, I attended a fundraiser at a beautiful new venue in town. Many staff members were still training, so the lines were longer than usual.

Senior staff stood behind the newer employees and patiently guided them as they learned new skills.

As the line was moving slower than I would like (okay boomer, as my son would say—even though, for the record, I am a Gen-X-er), I grew more irritated and impatient and started chatting with a man behind me, ready to start a collective complaining conversation.

But alas, I picked the wrong guy to whine to.

When I grumbled about the longer-than-normal wait, he smiled and said, "What a wonderful development opportunity for them."

Ouch.

Thanks for the perspective shift, kind man.

The senior staff surely felt the crowd's annoyance and saw the line growing. They could have easily jumped in and done the work themselves to get things moving faster.

However, stepping in would have blocked the purpose of training and developing the new staff.

I suppose that is what God is doing for us.

God is our wise Father, standing beside us, guiding, teaching, encouraging, and supporting us while He patiently waits for us to learn, grow, and find our purpose.

He's not a helicopter parent or micromanager who rushes in to rescue while yelling, "I'll save you - I'll just do it myself," to speed things up or prevent those we love or care for from experiencing pain or discomfort.

Like a good parent, God sometimes plays a more supportive role so we can learn, fail, try again, and face the awkward tension and pain of consequences to grow and find purpose and meaning.

So, if, like me, you run a bit on the impatient or controlling side (who me?), take a deep breath and allow the development to happen.

As you take numerous deep breaths, remind yourself that God is not an absentee parent. He stands guard, guides, and supports us throughout our journey, never leaving our side for one moment.

The last thing we want is to block that protection and support, preventing someone from growing, learning, and finding purpose—even in painful moments.

Let's stand back and be supportive and encouraging, offering help when needed and always be at the ready to cheer each other on!

Think of all the free time we will have by not jumping in to block, tackle, save, and fix everything and everyone.

Just sit back and watch God support, guide, correct, and love His children.

Now let's sit on the patio and have some coffee. Do you want cream or sugar?

Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Psalm 16:11

Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.