Piece by Piece

By Aaliyah Moore

One day I randomly googled the definition for “piece by piece.” I was instantly shook by the response that I got. It read, “in slow and small stages.”

I then went on to read my daily devotion, and the title of it was, “God’s Timing.” A line from it read:

“We are usually in a hurry, but God never is. We’re often impatient and ready for everything to happen right now, but God in his wisdom, makes sure that we’re prepared for what He wants to do in our lives, and preparation takes time.”

Again, I was shook, because the definition of “piece by piece” and my daily devotion was in alignment, and both were speaking to me on so many levels…

We live in a day where we love instant gratification, and in what some might call a “microwave society.” Restaurants have developed mobile apps so customers can order in advance and skip the line. We can now order our groceries online, and pick them up from the convenience of our car. We want what we want, when we want it, but life doesn’t always move that way, and I believe grasping that understanding is a life-long lesson.

If I’m being completely honest, the past six months of my life have been quite difficult. I’ve experienced loss, guilt, disappointment, hurt and grief, all while navigating a new job in a new city. I found the courage to seek therapy, and the people closest to me have walked this journey with me, day in and day out. Yet and still, I wish this process wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has.

One day, I found myself praying and asking God how long He was going to keep me in this season, and it was then that I realized I needed to change my perspective. You see, sometimes, we pray and ask God to take us out of something, when He still has more for us to learn right where we are.

While healing may be taking longer than I’d actually like for it to, it doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m still healing. Some days, I can see that I’ve made incredible progress, and other days it feels as if I’m moving backward. And that’s okay. Healing is messy, and you absolutely cannot put a timeline on it. Truth be told, you don’t get where you’re going overnight; you truly get there in slow and small stages.

Whether it’s weight loss, career progression, or getting over a failed relationship, I pray whoever reads this understands that you can’t rush your process. I pray you find the courage to slow down and trust God with the things you’re waiting for.

While much of what we desire is at our fingertips these days, true progress, growth and healing does take time. If you’re intentional enough, you’ll get there. Even if it is, piece by piece.

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Aaliyah Moore is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC.

Photo Credit: Artsy Solomon, nappy.co