Waiting on God’s next move –
We are all so simple, all so small – if only we could comprehend Your magnitude.
Attendre / to wait –
The French verb that means to wait for or to await.
It is one of those false friends as it does not mean to attend – but looks like it should. And is derived from the Latin (vulgar versus the classical) word Attendō.
French / attendre. Italian / attendere. Spanish / attender. All derived from the same vulgar Latin word.
Always fascinated with languages and more so word origins, it’s difficult for me to read.
When I read (especially in French), I frequently stop on a word – examine it’s structure and think about its possible origin. Happening upon words and losing myself in their thoughts.
According to the website wordsense.eu, the alternative (vulgar) Latin form of attendo is adtendo and its origin and history derive from ad + tendo (meaning to stretch and extend).
As stated on the website, the word was used in relation to the stretching of a bow, when taking aim at a target.
I can see this bow in my mind, wait for it…wait for it… As the string is pulled back and the arrow released… Attendo…Attendo… as the arrow flies through the air…bull’s-eye!
Many times I’ve heard the word of the week (attendre) used in France. Mostly when someone is aggravated or they need someone to stop doing something quickly. Oh and always while entering a Rond Point.
Here’s a ramble for you –
To focus on living in the present – we must wait. And while we wait – we must live. And while we live – we must not focus on the wait. Round and round we go in this circle.
Recently, I remarked to my sister how I’ve stopped planning and am just waiting for God’s next move. I then continued by saying how even though I was waiting for God’s next move, I was silently waiting for his move to include sunshine and exciting cool people who speak French.
As I spoke the above, I was immediately struck by how ignorant I am. I say I trust God, but I silently wish. This is so bizarre. Is my simple and small human brain trying to manipulate God? Then I hear Him, and He reminds me that He is so much bigger than I can comprehend. And that I’m okay and it’s okay if I wish (or better yet pray). Because as He explains, He’s got it. He’s got it all. He’s that BIG. And I should seriously relax.
As I continue to let go of my worries, I find a calm that I welcome. A freeing sense of peace. And at the same time an excitement at what He has in store next for me.
And yes, I still hope it includes sunshine and exciting cool people who speak French.
Suz Learns French While She Runs –
This week’s running went… I simply ran.
My goal is to run each half marathon under 2 hours. The last half marathon I ran – I pushed that limit and ran a 1:58. Cutting it close.
And now, I have less than 2 months to get in shape as I attempt to stay under two hours.
This is the my personal benchmark. And it’s what I strive for, but as I age, should I cut myself some slack? I may need to come May. But I will try to stay under 2 hours.
I have 2 major events planned for May and after a long winter, I have a lot of catching up to do.
As I run, my thoughts are only on my breath – no French is spoken as I gasp for air. My face is red, the others asked me if I am okay. “I’m okay, I’ve just not been running like I should,” I respond. I’ve been waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to shine.
When the sun finally shows its face – the green will be so green and the blue will be so blue.
No more waiting. Juste be.
Attendre –
Nous attendons le printemps. Nous attendons l’ete. Nous attendons l’automne. Nous attendons l’hiver. Nous attendons et nous attendons et nous attendons.
Nous sommes simples. Nous sommes minuscules. Nos esprits sont petits
Arreter! Vous perdez votre temps.
We’re waiting for spring. We’re waiting for the summer. We are waiting for the fall. We wait for winter. We wait and we wait and we wait.
We’re simple. We’re tiny. Our minds are small
Stop! You’re wasting your time.
Suz
Suz Learns @ Behind the Postcard 