I Cannot Wait Until…

by | May 21, 2025 | Words from Pastor Andrew | 0 comments

I Cannot Wait Until…

The other day, my son walks in and says, “I cannot wait to go to college…”
He’s 11. So…we’ve got a ways to go.

Naturally, I engage:
“Why can you not wait for college?”
He responds, “Because I can make Ramen whenever I want.”
“You literally just made Ramen at 11 a.m.”
“Yeah, but I want to be able to walk around in my underwear whenever I want.”
“You are walking around in your underwear right now.”
“Yeah, but I’ll be living with my best friend.”
“You and your brother are 15 months apart—you’ve never not lived with your best friend.”
He pauses. “Yeah…well, I still can’t wait to go to college.”

I’m just glad I’ve instilled in my children the true, noble essence of higher education: unlimited Ramen, a lax dress code, and your best friends in the same building to get into shenanigans with.
Nothing at all about, you know, learning or growing or engaging your mind discovering who you are while preparing for a meaningful life of provision and contribution.

But honestly—how many of us have said something similar?
“I can’t wait until…”
Until I graduate.
Until I get the job.
Until I get out of the job.
Until I meet someone.
Until the kids are asleep.
Until I retire.
Until the final Mission Impossible movie comes out…
Until…

We start stacking up all these “I can’t wait until,” thinking life will be better then. We’re always living in some ideal future reality, and missing the invitation to be present here and now.

We do this with our work, our families, our relationships, and—perhaps most tragically—our faith.

I get it. Life can be incredibly challenging in certain seasons.
When we lived in Dallas during the first four years of the boys’ lives, I was in seminary, working full-time. Sarah was working two jobs. We had no family nearby, and we lived in a one-bedroom apartment. We had almost no money, no time, and even less sleep.

If we had said, “I just can’t wait until this season is over,” we would’ve missed it.
And yet, I look back at those years as some of the sweetest, most fun years of our life, community, family, marriage, and faith.

Sometimes we treat faith like that too:
“Well, I’m saved. I’ve punched my ticket. Now I just have to wait out this miserable life until I fly away to the sweet by and by.”

But how in the world can we be a meaningful part of what God is doing—right here and now—if we stop caring about right here and now?

Jesus never said, “Just hang tight, put your feet up, and wait until this mess is over.”
Nope. He said follow me.
He called people to live fully—faithfully—now. Abiding in him, being changed by him, and embodying his ways for the glory of God and good of others.

As Dallas Willard once said:

“The gospel is less about how to get into the Kingdom of Heaven after you die, and more about how to live in the Kingdom of Heaven before you die.”

Over the past several weeks, we’ve talked about some real obstacles we face in following Jesus… the early followers faced them and so do we—doubt, shame, judgment, and how to thoughtfully live out this faith.

As we head into summer, we’re beginning a new journey on cultivating a life of meaning.

And I’m excited to have my longtime friend Matt Tuggle with us this Sunday.
Matt and I worked together for years in Dallas, TX and he’s one of those friendships that was cultivated in the midst of the chaos of life.
He’s the Executive Pastor at Highland Park UMC and the Preaching Pastor of Cornerstone. Matt has been with us several times in the past and is always a blessing to our community.
I will still be at worship this Sunday and I hope you will too.

Because cultivating a life of meaning and purpose isn’t something that just happens someday—it begins now.
Living a life that looks more like Jesus’ isn’t something that just magically happens at some point… it starts now.
Salvation isn’t some future reality… it starts now.

As Eugene Peterson once said:

“Waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant woman. We are enlarged in the waiting.”

But it’s active waiting. Something beautiful is happening in the waiting for what’s next… so it’s not passive, it’s participatory, faithful living.
The Kingdom of God is not far off. It’s at hand.

I hope you’ll begin to realize:
The life you long for isn’t out there somewhere.
It’s here.
Now.

Yes, there will be challenges. There always are.
But if you stay present, engaged—if you live this life now—you may look back and see that this was one of the most beautiful, surprising seasons of your life, your community, your relationships, and your faith.

The Kingdom of God is at hand. Let’s live like it—
With some Ramen, a lax dress code, and our best friends.

This Sunday: Memorial Day Weekend

It’s the unofficial start of summer and will be a full Sunday. A few quick notes:

Seating
If you’d like to sit inside, plan to arrive by 9:30 a.m. sharp. Worship begins at 10:00.
We also have outdoor seating—on the lawn and in the Grove. We’ll have water and fans available to help you stay cool.

Parking
Parking in Seaside can be tricky—here are your best options:

  • Free Public Lot at the west end of Seaside/east end of WaterColor
    20 Western Lake Dr, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
    It’s a short walk along 30A or through the neighborhood.

  • Paid Parking around Seaside—Smolian Circle and nearby areas.

  • FREE Sunday Parking Passes — Email me at [email protected] if you’d like one.

More info on Seaside parking & shuttle services

New Toddler Space is Now Open!

We’re growing—and we now have a dedicated toddler space on the West side of The Chapel!

This space allows families with toddlers to worship together while kids can safely play and interact.
Families are always welcome anywhere, but this space provides a comfortable option for those with little ones.

Also on Sunday Mornings:

  • Kids Church (Grades K–5)

  • Middle School Group (Grades 6–8)
    Meet and check in at The Chapel on the lawn at 10:00 a.m., then head to Seaside Neighborhood School.

Questions? Contact Michael Pratt.

What’s Happening at The Chapel This Summer

With our windows being replaced at The Chapel this summer, Sunday morning worship will continue as normal, but we’ve made a few updates to our weekly rhythm.  No weekly events (noon prayer, bible study, etc) throughout the summer due to the construction, but we have some other stuff we are really excited about.  Our regular weekly studies, prayer times, and some new opportunities for worship will kick off late Summer/Fall.  Stay tuned for all the fun stuff coming up!

Summer Bible Reading Plan

June 2–August 8
We’re reading through Luke & Acts together.

  • Pick up a bookmark with the full reading plan.

  • Sarah and I will release weekly podcasts with thoughts and teachings on Spotify or Apple or wherever you stream.

  • Read, listen, and gather with friends or family to reflect.

Summer Stories – Old School Potluck Style

June 17, July 15, August 5 | 5:45–8:00 p.m.

  • We’ll provide burgers, dogs, and drinks.

  • You bring a side or dessert.

  • At 6:00 we eat. At 7:00, we share stories of what God is doing.

  • Kids & youth will head off for games with the Next Gen team.

Click here for more info and to RSVP

Summer Worship Night

Sunday, June 22 at 6:00 p.m.
More details coming soon!

Communion – Sunday, June 1 at 9:00 a.m.

Join us for a short and meaningful communion service.
We practice an open table—everyone is welcome.
Afterward, enjoy coffee and pastries from Modica Market as we connect and catch up.

Egypt 2026 Trip

We’re planning a trip to Egypt in 2026! You’re invited to join us as we explore some incredible places—and if you want, you can extend your trip to Jordan, Petra, and the Dead Sea.  Sarah and I are going and bringing our family…you should too!

March 10–20, 2026
Optional Jordan Extension: March 21–24

  • Explore iconic sites.

  • Option to visit Petra, the Dead Sea, and more.

  • Open to all—bring friends or family!

Click here for more info and to register
When registering, use:

  • Host ID: 60537

  • Host Name: Andrew Beard

Worship Online

If you’re traveling, not feeling well, or joining from home, worship with us online:
thechapelatseaside.com
facebook.com/TheChapelAtSeaside
vimeo.com/thechapelatseaside
You can also keep up with all our sermons and podcast teachings available on Spotify or Apple or wherever you stream.

If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m excited to continue wrestling with the story of our faith together—through every season, heatwave, and story-filled potluck—as we cultivate a life of faith and meaning here and now.

Blessings,
Andrew