In the Meantime...

Whenever the phrase, "in the meantime," is used it indicates that there is some span of time that will separate our future destination from our present situation.

It also carries an implication of occupation.  That is, we are to occupy or keep ourselves productive while we wait. For example, at a doctor's office, we might be told that the doctor will be with us shortly and "in the meantime" we can fill out a clipboard full of paperwork.

I'm not sure where the name, "meantime" came from, but I must admit that the name spells out the truth, the whole truth, and nothin' but the truth.  The "meantime" can certainly be a mean time as we undergo growing pains and various challenging lessons on our way to our divine destinations.

Sometimes the meantime can get so mean that we want to throw our hands in the air and wave them like we just don't care. This sense of frustration can apply to our individual relationships, as well as our collective relationships.  The prelude to our Presidential election, for instance, has been a seriously mean meantime for the collective body that is the United States of America.

Civility, honesty, patience and faith in God appear to all have been tossed into the wind with regard to this year's Presidential election.  The prophet Isaiah foretold that "the government shall be upon His shoulders" yet some of us act as if the entire election and future of our country rests upon our shoulders or upon the shoulders of whomever resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC.

Of course the power of each individual vote is critical, and the power wielded by the President of the United States is extremely critical.  But, have we forgotten who is really in charge?  Some of us need to stop running our mouths and just make sure we run to the polls after we have run to God seeking His divine guidance regarding whom He has chosen or will allow to govern us in the political realm.

Lying, swearing, shouting, stereotyping, finger-waving and cheering on those who carry on in such manners is simply out of order, especially for those of us who proclaim to be Christians. 

Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:26

We are blessed to live in a democratic society in which we are free to express our opinions, but even more importantly we are blessed to be free to act on those opinions when we step into the voting booth.

We will all have an opportunity to make our vote count at election time.  So,

In the Meantime...
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

Even if we don't like the personality or policies of those who end up in office, we don't have to become fearful or ferocious.  While we wait on our change to come or our opportunity to create the change, we must simply remember that

In the Meantime...
He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD [is] my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13: 15a-16.

Ultimately, all of the politics and prognosticating will pale in comparison to the prize that patiently lies beyond the pearly gates, where the wicked will cease from troubling and the weary will be at rest.

We just might find it in our hearts to be a little bit calmer, a little less defensive, and a lot more peaceful if we would remember that our real home is over in glory and this life is just a temporary place for us to occupy, In the Meantime.... 

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen