This one is probably going to be a little different.

I was reading a devotional today and got to the end where there was a section titled “A Different Kind of Prayer.” One of the lines in that prayer said:

“You saved me for a mission. Open my eyes to the people around me. Give me courage to tell my story.”

That line stuck with me.

I really didn’t start going to church regularly until about a year before I got married. I went some as a kid with my grandma, but that was about it. About a month before we were married, I accepted Christ and was baptized.

Since then, I’ve tried to stay faithful to our church, serving where I can—most often on the tech team, either running a camera or directing video.

Growing up, I wasn’t a bad kid. I just didn’t always do the things I should have been doing. Looking back, I think I knew something was missing, but I didn’t really understand what it was until that month before we were married.

Over time, I’ve come to realize something important: God will put the people in my life that I need, and He will place me where I’m supposed to be. Always.

Now, do I always listen the first time? Probably not.

But once I finally realize where I’m supposed to be or who I’m supposed to be around, things usually start falling into place and life improves in ways I didn’t expect.

Sometimes I think God works the way He does in my life to teach me patience. Because if I’m being honest, patience isn’t always one of my strong suits. I tend to want things to happen on my timeline.

But deep down, I know they have to happen on His.

Other times, I think He’s reminding me who’s really in control. And despite what I might like to think from time to time, it isn’t me.

It’s Him.

And every once in a while, I need that reminder.

It reminds me a little of those old cars sitting along a fence row, waiting their turn in the shop. To most people, they might just look like old cars waiting around. But there’s a plan for them.

They’re waiting for their time.

Our lives are a lot like that too.

There’s a plan for each of us, and there’s only One who truly knows what that plan is. Once we accept that—and trust His timing—things usually start to go a lot smoother.

Sometimes all we have to do is wait our turn.

From the Shop Stool