This post by kathylarkman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
LESLEY GRINDROD, contributor for today’s blog post
A huge part of our lives as followers of Jesus here on earth revolves around ‘waiting.’ I’ve no idea how many times the Bible tells us to wait (it must run into the hundreds at least) but it’s pretty telling that one of the fruits of the Spirit is patience!
But waiting is SO hard, isn’t it? Even waiting for a bus causes me to grumble, shuffle my feet and constantly check my watch! I must be one of the most impatient people I know – ask Neal. He only has to respond with “Wait a minute…” when asked to do something, to be confronted with the most un-holy displays of impatience, ingratitude and frustration!
In Titus chapter 2 Paul describes how we ladies should behave as we wait for ‘the blessed hope – the appearance of our Lord Jesus.’ Verses 3 and 4 tell us we should be full of dignity and self-control, 
displaying solid faith, generous love, and patient endurance; loving, respecting and caring for our husbands, children, our homes and each other. We should always model behaviour that will point those who see us to Jesus!
Oh my, such beautiful words (who wouldn’t want to live like this?) but how horribly tough they are to put into practise! But my dear sisters – ‘practise’ is the key word here! It’s only as I repent over each stumble, each impatient word and deed, that I grow in my ability to ‘wait with patience.’ I need to constantly practise being patient, practise being loving, kind and respectful, practise living my life as an example of Godly behaviour, just as a musician needs to practise their instrument. All the while trusting my heavenly Father to forgive my mistakes, clean me up, and set me off again on this bumpy road called life.
Living ‘right’ while we’re waiting relates to every part of our lives. I’m pretty sure we’re all waiting for something – a promise as yet unfulfilled, an improvement in our finances or health, the salvation of a loved one, the restoration of a broken relationship. But whatever we’re waiting for, the message is the same: “…Live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope ….”Titus 2:12-13
Here’s a beautiful example of ‘Godly living while waiting.’ My son and daughter-in-law have been waiting for 12 years for a baby of their own. Despite the many disappointments and ever-present heartbreak, they purposed to honour God by bravely sharing their difficult journey through infertility with other couples facing similar problems. They’ve organised several Bible-focused retreats with expert speakers and 
worship leaders to encourage, support and pray with precious couples who were utterly weary and disillusioned. God has greatly blessed these events over the years.
Then suddenly in April this year their miracle happened – they became pregnant! And on Friday last week my tiny little grandson, Ezra, made his appearance, 7 weeks early but absolutely perfect in every way!
So be encouraged my dear sisters. Whatever it is we’re waiting for, let’s hold onto God, believe His Word, trust Him for the future and be determined to live ‘right’ in the waiting.