Today's Fun Fact: Occupied Time Feels Shorter Than Unoccupied Time.
Former Harvard professor David Maister wrote an article on the Psychology of Waiting Lines. I was intrigued by his statement about occupied time.
In my day job, I work as a DBA in the HVAC Service Industry. That’s Database Administrator, for those unaware. Results are my jam. Data in—data out. Whether it's reports or refrigerant, results are what we do. When I hit execute, results come in milli-seconds.
As a creative, the wait is much different. You know what I mean, right? In the creative process, our first wait is inspiration until our labor of love comes to life, and then satisfaction morphs into a semblance of control until it isn't. Writer's block and days of character grief remind us that we are not in control. Interwoven through the process are collaborators, friends, and professionals who help us on our way. Then, a moment comes when we place the final coat, plant the last seed, sing the last note, take the final bow, or write The End and BREATHE out the sigh of relief. And then what?
I felt lost when I finished writing Revealed Truth, the first of the Revealed Book Series. A whole world of characters was in limbo as I took a much-needed break from writing to put the book into the hands of my readers.
"Father, Is it too soon to ask if you are pleased?" I asked the Lord—even as I was pregnant with two more books awaiting delivery. Today, as I work on the final installment, I keep returning to this question: "Are you pleased with the work of my hand?"
Our culture is inundated with results. From media to exams, we have been trained to wait for results—and that results matter.
Seven years into this project, the Lord reminds me of the first prayer I prayed over this book:
I am believing You God for Success through the encouragement and love that You placed on my heart as I write. Thank You for the success to come in the publishing of Revealed and any and all writings that follow.I BELIEVE! In Jesus NAME amen
Can you hear the faith in my prayer? As I sat with the Father this week, I reminisced about that season while asking, "What does success look like, God?"
I heard one word—completion. Opening my Bible, the Holy Spirit brought me to Philippians 1:6: "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
"He will carry it on to completion."
Nothing God sends returns void, including the beautiful creative projects He places on our hearts. Sometimes, however, the project's result is our obedience to His call; other times, it is found in the joy others reap from our sowing. And the truth is, I may never see the final result until I see Him face to face. Am I okay with that?
Ultimately, the results are His: His will for His glory.
So, what am I waiting for? As I pondered this question, the light bulb went on. Perhaps a change of perspective is in order. What if the goal is to spend my occupied time bringing Him glory no matter how He defines my success? No matter the result? Perhaps I don’t have to “wait” at all.
It's a freeing concept. "So, I can en"joy" Your presence as I leave all of the results to you, God?"
My answer came from Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."
God is pleased when we occupy our time with Him. Truly, whether in wait or release—His Presence is the result our heart craves.
Am I okay with this? Absolutely! ❤️ The results are the Lord’s.
What are you working on this week? Whatever the Lord has placed in your hand, I pray that you, too, find yourself and your creative work occupied by the One who formed you for such a time as this. The results will be beautiful because the One who formed you will carry them on to completion. I have included a 31-day prayer journal in today's free download to encourage the most weary of waiting hearts. Hit reply or comment below and let me know how I can pray with you.
A Prayer for you:
Father, we thank You for the honor of serving You. Lord, You formed us in our mother's womb and knew every day before even one came to be. You designed us uniquely with personality, strengths, giftings, and calling. Thank You for calling us into Your Kingdom for Your purpose. I pray, Father, for those who have stepped into the adventure You have written on their life. Help them, Lord, to be occupied with Your presence even as they wait for the results of the work of their hands. May the wait be sweet and the result of Your completion be even sweeter. May we be okay with surrendering the work of our hands into Your own. In Jesus' Name, amen.
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