I recently found myself in a conundrum. As you know, I have a strong desire to live intentionally, to chase my dreams, and be in control of my own fate (to the extent possible). However, I find this desire in contrast with giving up control, surrendering, and allowing life to unfold.

On one hand, I’m 100% bought into the idea that by living intentionally, we can make things happen for ourselves. Positive things, that otherwise wouldn’t happen. And, since I’m a planner at heart, it’s easy for me.

On the other hand, I recognize that I’m not in control of all things. In fact, trying to control everything can damage relationships, and turn one into an authoritative dictator no one wants to be around. 

So, what are we to do? Is the answer to just watch and see? Should we sit on our hands and just hope for good things? I don’t think so.

The trick is to know when to make things happen and when to allow life to unfold. 

Wait or Seize?

I recently read Rachel Macy Stafford’s book Only Love Today, and it was there that I found the answer. She said it perfectly with these words: “Learn when to wait a moment and when to seize a moment.” I love that! 

It reminds me of the Bible verses found in Ecclesiastes 3: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity…” We have to determine what the situation calls for and discern if we should wait or seize.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot… a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

How do we decide?

It may not always be cut-and-dried or a matter of absolutes. But, generally speaking, there may be some guidelines.

When it comes to achieving your goals, pursuing your dreams, advancing your career, or wanting to grow and develop, you should look for opportunities to seize the moment! However, you shouldn’t force it, and you should never compromise your ethics, morals or values to achieve it.

When it comes to dealing with others relationally, enjoying the little things in life, and praying for things that are truly outside your control and are in God’s hands, you should wait a moment.

Rachel Macy Stafford offers a few examples of her own, which make total sense to me. She said this:

• “Wait for your loved one to get his words out, but don’t wait until you’re completely confident to tell your story.
• Wait for the marshmallow to turn the perfect shade of brown, but don’t wait for a bigger table to invite friends over to eat.
• Wait for your little straggler to catch up, but don’t wait for the scale to tell you when to jump into the pool.”

Stafford goes on to say: “I used to wait on the wrong things. I used to rush the good things. I squelched a lot of glorious moments in the process.”

I can relate! I’ve rushed through bedtime routines and missed out on snuggles and great conversations when I should have seized them. I’ve waited for special occasions to break out the fancy drinking glasses when truthfully any occasion can be made special.

Don’t let that be you! Let’s not miss any more glorious moments! Join me in trying to determine when to wait and when to seize. When we get it right, I’m confident we won’t regret it.

Do you have examples of times you seized the moment, or told yourself to wait a moment? As always, I’d love to hear them.

Yours intentionally, Amanda

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