When I first moved to San Diego, I felt strongly that the best thing I could do most of the time was to pray. Many days, that was the most solid and promising option in front of me. My job, as it was written, was to follow leads and nudges from the Holy Spirit, hoping to find the transformation of people and cities in the process.
Almost two years later, I find myself back in the quiet place of waiting. Appropriate to Advent, it seems that new things are growing - gestating - mysteriously bulging... yet staying out of sight. I've ridden out a circuit on the missionary roller coaster, and now... I'm waiting for a track change. I've done the adventure of getting settled and learning my way around. I've jumped in and plunged my hands into the muck of urban ministry work. I've traveled and made the rounds; I've learned names and collected cards; I've introduced myself and said goodbye as friends left town.
Now what?
Now, I have had a few successes and I have run into my limits. Now I have watched as the rules to the game changed, as congregations shifted, and as people made discerning decisions. Now, I'm getting married. Now I am leading a ministry team.
Now what?
Now I pray. Now I wait. Now I follow in trust and hope, remembering that with God nothing is wasted-- prayerful waiting included.