So, lately I’ve had glue on my mind. Not because I’ve been crafting, or building, or repairing anything either. Glue has been on my mind because I’ve been feeling stuck.
Major life changes (like a move, for instance), even when welcome, can really do a number on your life. At least for me, there has been, and continues to be a “limbo”. Times of loneliness and boredom, on top of frustrations and glitches on both ends of our relocation make this planner-by-nature uncharacteristically “whiny”, a complainer and, flat out no fun. While I’m removed from my life in Florida, it almost feels like I can’t begin my life here in Texas. In a word: stuck.
I’ve found myself pleading with God for direction.
“What do You want me to DO Lord?”
“I’m ready to jump in, Lord! Show me what to DO!”
“I need to be settled, Lord!”
“I need to get my furniture moved!”
“I need some concrete dates on my calendar!!!”
Or maybe that was less pleading and more demanding…whining, even.
As an answer, He showed me the glue.
While watching a home improvement show (and lamenting my lack of one at the moment), I watched a carpenter explain to a homeowner what he was doing.
“We’re going to put these 2×4’s together to add more stability. And, instead of using just nails, we’ll also use a lot of wood glue for added strength.”
He had the homeowner squeeze out the glue between the boards in a generous fashion, then he put them in a vice to hold them together.
“Now, we’ll leave them here to let the glue ‘set up’. If we’re too quick to move the boards, the glue will not be ‘cured’ and the strength of the piece will be compromised. You can’t rush this step, or you’ll really be sorry.”
God spoke to my heart in that HGTV episode. It became abundantly clear that He’s got me in a place where He’s working on me…my need to control, to plan, my desire to “get out there”, make connections, go full steam ahead on my own. He’s got me between two chapters of my life, and He has me stuck there, right where He wants me. I feel locked in a vice and it’s a little uncomfortable, but He will not be rushed.
As it turns out, I’m realizing that the strength of our lives, the very durability of them in times of pressure and stress, is found in these in-between times. When we allow Him to hold us still between the chapters of our lives, the waiting that ensues strengthens us for the future.
The bottom line is: the carpenter doesn’t rush the glue.
The bottom line is: the CARPENTER doesn’t rush the GLUE.
Today, I’m in no different a place than I have been for the last couple of months. Nothing’s changed except my attitude, because today, I’m grateful to be stuck…like glue.
1 Chronicles 29:10
photo credit: pigsinpajamas
Amen sister! Thanks for this post!
Blessings on your gluey day.
Powerful!
I've developed a little saying that was born during one of my own stymied states: "He's hedged me in for a reason, and someday I'll thank Him for it. I'll start now."
I also know that the holding places are typically the gateway to some new understanding, if not some new ministry. I'm excited to see where He's leading you!
Be blessed,
Kathleen
What a WONDERFUL post! I've been having some similar feelings lately and I keep wondering why God has put me in a holding pattern. He must be working on me!
Thanks for this!
Don't you love it when God speaks to you in the most unusual ways? Hang in there. God has great plans for you. I love your posts…they always speak to me.
Me, too.
Mired somewhere between my desperate need and God's strength.
How I need the gift of the glue this day.
peace~elaine
Hi my friend. Sometimes the seasons we go through are not easy but as you said God has you there for a reason. He knows what he is doing and what he has in store for you! It will be nothing short of amazing!
I miss you!!!
Love, Jen
How so true. He works in mysterious ways. He works out the uncomfortable spots to mold us to what He wants in us.
I love the idea of glue curing to make the borards stronger. He is "curing" us to make us stronger. Amen! We just don't like the curing phases. They are hard, painful, uncomfortable. But then, God's never been concerned with our comfort but rather with our character.
I know what you mean about not being settled. I recently moved from one house to another, directly, no pit stops. It was incredible. Having to leave my house I shared with my beloved, I feared the "discomfort" I may feel, feeling out of place in my new home. Not at all. It's been home to me. I pray that feeling stays and fills those wholes of pain.
Powerful sharing!
Isn't it amazing when we recognize the hand of God upon our lives, in such a new dimension of our walk?
Love to you,
Yolanda
Stay the course friend!!
My love and prayers continue,
Pat
What a BEAUTIFUL post! I always love your godly perspective!! He has got you right where He wants you at this time in your life. It's hard to be "stuck", but you've got the right idea on what He's doing in your life.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us. I hope the glue dries soon and He reveals all the exciting plans He has for you!
Blessings,
Joanne
Isn't it amazing the multitude of ways God uses to speak to us and give us just the word we need to hear? So glad He met your need!
I just stumbled upon your blog and it was exactly what I needed. I have had the same issues… moved a year ago, need to plan, know what's going on and make it happen. But, since moving, NOTHING is in place. And I keep trying. But you have just made me realize that God is waiting for me to stop trying – be still – and let the glue dry. Thanks for the comfort. God Bless! 😀
Melinda — you've been on my heart lately. I can only imagine this place of waiting…. well, I don't have to imagine I'm living it.
I know God is preparing you, equipping you for the work He has for you.
I'm just here praying for you.