The Waiting Space

Good Morning!

If you're anything like a human being, then you have questions. The best part about your nature, and mine, is that we don't usually know the answers to these questions. Isn't it funny how that works? So what does one do when they can't answer something for themself?

Most of you have a religion you're a part of, or a strong set of moral beliefs you follow. Most of you also acknowledge the existence of a God, or a supreme being, and I daresay that 99% of you also consider prayer to be a real thing, perhaps something you've used in your own life.

I wasn't certain of a theme for this email, until I attended church yesterday. One person talked about how they would ask a question in prayer, and expect to find an answer fairly quickly. Yet, this was never the case for them. Her realization was that, in reality, one spends more time waiting for an answer, than actually receiving one. 

Let me expound upon her view. A wise man once taught me that there are three situations you will run into when asking a question. 

1. You already received the answer.

2. You have yet to receive your answer. 

3. You will never receive an answer.

If you already received your answer, good luck. The trick with this is that the questions that are already answered are usually the ones you want a specific answer to. And let me tell you, if God has a different plan than you, you'd better wake up or you're going to miss the answer you've already received. 

Often an individual is 'blind', or rather, unwilling to face the option that such an answer was received. It takes a great deal of self-awareness to snap out of this, but more realistically, you need to depend on the advice and//or opinions of those you trust/love (or those who love you) to snap you to reality. Keep in mind that you often won't want to listen to them when they offer to help. 

If you have yet to receive an answer (but God is still going to answer you) then good luck again. The hardest part about this is that you never really know if God is going to answer you. Often, these answers come much later than you expect or would like. And sometimes your answer is a proverbial "yellow light" telling you to proceed with caution. In these cases, move forward with your best ability, but if something comes up be aware of the spirit because God may alter your path as you go. 

When you aren't going to receive an answer, understand that it's not a problem with God's reality or care. I understand how it can be easy to think that. After all, God will answer every prayer ever, right? He does, but (and this is a big BUT) there is a such thing as a stupid prayer. 

I know, shocker. 

Some things are just dumb to pray about. Not because we shouldn't pray and seek answers to our lives problems, but because it really might not make a huge difference, or we already know the answer at heart (see point 1). Also, some prayers need to be reworded. Examine things from a different perspective. Don't seek to tell God how to direct your life, but rather desire to learn how he wishes you to grow. Consider the following:

There was a man who called his bishop, seeking advice on what God would have him do. His question - "What color car should I get, the green one or the blue one?" - wasn't as important as he'd thought. The color of your car won't change your life. It doesn't affect your eternal future. You don't suddenly become a better person because you have a green car when you could have bought a blue car. Remember to vet your questions before taking them to God. He loves you, and will answer your heartfelt desires. But there are likely bigger concerns for your life than what color car to buy. 

The biggest problem with number two and three is that you don't really know which one you're in. If you get your answer, great! Do your best to follow the advice you get. Sometimes your answer comes from a close friend or family member. God loves to use our earthly relationships to improve our spiritual self. 

My mission president, President Kaluhiokalani, said the following: 

"Where you focus your efforts determines your reality, whether it's real or not doesn't matter. It's what you make of it."

The world, and your life, are what you make of it. You can choose to follow good things, and be a positive influence, or you can view yourself and others negatively. The worst part is, when you make a judgement call, or label someone/something a certain way, it alters your reality. Sunny days can become harsh and blinding. A pleasant Spring rain can seem like the next wave of emotional turmoil. Yet these natural occurrences can be beautiful, if we simply looked at it differently. 

I encourage you to have a positive attitude about yourself, and make sure you ask the right questions. I've been through hard things, I promise that God will have them work for your betterment, if you'll let him. Don't tell God how to control your life, rather, be open to His suggestions, and those of good men and women around you. You'll be better for it. 

The ranch is still going, I'm still living and reading, doing my best to focus on the good things in life. Good always wins in the end. Stay patient, and stay strong! 

Make tomorrow even better.

- Talmage Williams

"Doubters never figure out how to trust God because they don't stop doubting long enough to stay on the same path." - My father

Pictures:

General ranch photos

The three men of the house in their pajamas