His Time, Not Mine

by | Sep 17, 2024 | Bold in Life, The SundayMonday Tuesday Archives

A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a priest who I really love, and explaining to him a certain situation I was walking through. “I just don’t want to waste my time,” I explained, barely concealing my exasperation.

“Well, it’s not your time, it’s His,” he responded plainly.

Oof. Father was right. As a girly who likes to have a plan, a destination, and a hefty dose of control, patience is not my strongest suit. So whenever I’m in a situation where it’s up to me to make a decision, I agonize. “What does God want? Is this good? Should I lean in or bail out? Where is this going?”

These aren’t bad questions in themselves, but they miss a fundamental reality: no matter the situation’s outcome, God has me right here, right now, for a purpose. The messy middle, the murkiness, the confusion – that’s exactly what He has for me.

I attended a gorgeous wedding this weekend, and as we were dancing our booties off on the dance floor, the band started playing a song that reminded me of what the Lord has been teaching me:

It just takes some time

Little girl you’re in the middle of the ride

Everything, everything will be just fine

Everything, everything will be alright.

The Lord works (and speaks) through everything, even a 2001 song by Jimmy Eat World. 😉

(I also love Audrey Assad’s cover, it’s a little more mellow if that’s your speed).

The truth is we don’t know where our decisions will take us. We can hope and pray that we’re being wise and discerning. We can do our best to love others and receive their love. But we won’t know how everything will come together in fullness until the next life. And that’s GOOD!! Because we have a loving Father in heaven who has incredible things for us. We don’t have to be afraid or grasp for control. He has everything for us!

I love this prayer from Thomas Merton so much:

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

“I believe the desire to please you does in fact please you.” That’s my prayer this week, and maybe it can be yours! The Lord is honored by our desire to do His will and He wants it for us even more than we want it for ourselves. Let’s live in the hope, joy, and peace that He will never leave us on our own!

In Christ,

Jane


What I’m Loving Lately

Trader Joe’s has gone fall

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. May I strongly recommend the Apple Cider hand soap and the gluten-free Pumpkin Bread mix?! You will be a lifelong convert.

T-1 Month – Chicago Marathon!

I am running the Chicago Marathon in one month and am raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital! If you’re able to support my efforts (I have about $1000 left to raise in the next month!) I would be so grateful!! I have been offering up my training runs for you all 🙂

A 12/10 weekend away in Jackson

I had the best weekend celebrating the wedding of my friends Julia and Jon in Jackson Hole!! It was so good to see many business school friends and run around in the mountains 🙂

NYU Stern represent!!

*Obsessed* with my Nuuly dress

Prayer requests

  • For Julia and Jon who got married this weekend
  • For Rob who passed away this weekend
  • For a special intention

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Jane Kennedy

Jane was born in Australia, raised in California, and is overjoyed to now call NYC home. She graduated from UCSB with degrees in Political Science and Communication and spent the past two years working in criminal justice reform. She is currently an MBA student at NYU Stern, focusing on entrepreneurship and strategy.

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