WAIT, WATCH AND SEE

Introduction

In David Brook's book, The Second Mountain, he identifies two mountains in the lives of most people: 1) the climb to the top of a career and 2) accomplishing the true meaning of life (my words). Some book authors have stated life is simply learning, earning and retirement. Others have simplified our life journey simply as "we live and then we die!"

I believe many of us have planned and sought our purpose in life diligently. Others have sought simply to keep learning, professionally and personally. Still more have adopted the old song's chorus, "whatever will be, will be." 

Our Journey

I'm sure we all have friends that have found their destiny relatively early in their lives. Some found their destiny later, and some not at all. Some of us are still waiting! Our prayer may have been, "But God, I've waited nearly 40 years to see my purpose in life fulfilled." "You said......." Whether we are Christian, another religion or no religion, the answer to this question is likely to be the same: Wait, Watch and See!

Like a road trip, the effectiveness of our planning will give us "reasonable assurance" (not absolute) of achieving out destination. Our vehicle can break down or there can be accidents. Driving over a mountain pass in southern Colorado late one night, a flurry of miller moths hit my windshield and I didn't see that deer jump in front of me. I had a great car, I was wide awake and enjoying the drive, but I didn't reach my destination as planned. Roadblocks such as nature, other people, events, failures and successes occur along the way!

Making Our Way

This is not a promotion for Christianity or any other religion. This is a focus on the things we carry in our hearts. To illustrate, I'll tell you a story of my friend Steve. What Steve wanted most was to help other people. He was the "give you the shirt off his back" kind of person. In managing some rental properties, he'd help some of the tenants with critical needs. A single mom needed a washing machine; Steve would buy it out of his own pocket. When someone experienced a burst water pipe, furnace failure or electrical outage at 2 AM, Steve would be there to help. Go to any restaurant in our community for lunch with Steve and he'd stop four or five times on the way to a table to pat someone on the back or say a kind word. Most everyone knew Steve!

Steve wasn't a religious man, but he is a good man. He truly considered himself less than other people. He is a humble man. If he had some money and you had a need, Steve would give you what he had; he is a generous man. If you needed physical assistance, Steve would try to help you; he is a compassionate man.

The End of the Journey

Recently, some 30 years later actually, I met Steve for lunch for lunch in our favorite restaurant. He spoke to several people on the way to our table and, when we were seated, the owner of the restaurant came to greet him by name. Steve was still laughing and smiling, loving people! He shared that while he was not a wealthy man, he had more than adequate provision for his retirement years. Not only monetary provision became his, but he was experiencing great peace and joy in life! I don't know for sure, but Steve probably met Jesus Christ somewhere along his journey! Steve is likely is at the top of his "second mountain!" 

What we receive in life is measured by what we give! It's not what we do, but who we are that counts in the end! Wait for God's timing as you love and serve others. Watch patiently for what God will do to use your life experiences to bless others. Then you will see your destiny taking shape, the top of your second mountain!