For the past three years I’ve passed by a deck in progress.  Initially, the project caught my eye as I took a right turn to exit my neighborhood.  In the early phases, stacks of lumber and mounds of tarp were scattered throughout the yard.

A few months later a structure emerged.  It was basic at first.  However, eventually the form’s true function was clearly seen.   Summer cookouts and fall foliage would soon adorn the deck’s surface – or so I thought.  But these wonderful possibilities remain unrealized because the deck remains unfinished.

I can relate to the builder’s dilemma.  I’m not building a deck, but by God’s grace I am building a life.  Any building process can fall short of feeling wonderful.  Is something hindering your view of what’s ideal?  Is there a delayed dream or drought in your wishing well?

My observations about the deck prompted a few realizations about what brings me delight.  Here are some stops I’ve made along the way.  See if you’ve taken a pause in these places too.

With critical eyes I wonder about the nature of the deck’s delay.  I’ve only seen one workman.  Is he overwhelmed by the task?  Is a tight budget limiting supplies?  Perhaps the delay is due to frequent changes in the design.

When a goal is delayed an analysis helps me to learn or regroup.  But analyzing loses its benefit when the scrutiny ends in a downward spiral.  If my critique loops through limitations it’s easy to become doubtful.

With a doubtful mind I wonder if delay means denial.  After three years, I’m thinking there’s a story behind this deck.  But I wonder if the ending will remain open-ended.

Waiting is a challenge when my ability to control the outcome is restricted.  If I can’t access resources, change the dynamic, or speed-up a time line, I can become anxious.  But waiting can become a holy holding pattern where I become something else — a soul trusting and depending on God. 

Sometimes there are no visible changes with the deck.  However, my street-side view of the project doesn’t tell the whole story.  There are areas under and around the deck I cannot see.  In life, I have a limited view around my circumstances too.  But there is a perspective that broadens my ability to thrive.

With a satisfied soul, I delight in the wonder of God.  I believe the Giver of every good and perfect gift likes to surprise us.  When I passed by the deck last week, I noticed something new.  The lone deck builder was no longer alone.  There were three other men working with him.  In just a few days, the deck’s completion is moving along quite nicely.

God is always at work.  But we do not always sense it.  However, the details don’t have to make sense to a soul satisfied in God.  When we’re convinced of His love and faithfulness, He doesn’t have to convince us His methods are in our favor.

As you wait for what seems ideal, do you look with a critical eye, a doubtful heart, or a satisfied soul?  Whether we’re waiting for an opportunity or an outcome here’s some good news:  we don’t have to wait on wonderful, there’s plenty of wow in today.

Today, God is giving us new mercies, offering His help, and empowering us with the promises from His Word. Whatever tomorrow brings, He is already there.  Now there’s a wonderful truth and it brings hope to the heart and joy to the soul.

“I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.” – Psalm 139:14 – The Voice