There’s something about waiting and patience. I must be honest, I’m terrible at it. I’m not talking about the line at the grocery store, the slow speed of mail, or even waiting in traffic. I’m talking about the seasons where there are so many factors out of your control. The moments where tension mounts and builds. It’s lingering, comes with great weight, and in some strange way, feels like a pressure cooker. You know the result will be good in the end, but find yourself sounding like the high pitched noise on the stove instead. In my community, we’re approaching another spring which means transition is upon us. After three years I would love to state that I’ve become a pro at transition, change, and waiting. In reality, I am far from it. I’ve learned that more growth and character is developed and comes from waiting than ever before.
When you’re ready to buy the house, but don’t have enough saved for the down payment.
When you can’t make the jump to your dream job because of lingering responsibilities.
When the spouse hasn’t yet come and there’s no significant relationship in sight.
When you face disappointment, knowing that some way it will get better.
Waiting for reconciliation in a relationship that may or may not come.
We’ve all found ourselves in seasons above above. How do you choose to thrive when it comes to a season where you’re waiting?
1. Waiting means looking at the desire rather than resenting it.
It’s easy to try to ignore the tension within as we wait or beat ourselves up in the process. The voices of “should have,” “could have,” and “what if,” can mount. In the process, it often suppresses the voice of hope and optimism that usually finds it’s way to the surface. Rather than resenting the dreams that haven’t come to fruition, celebrate that you have dreams, hope, and places you’re going.
2. Discover your inner courage.
There’s something about waiting that brings the grit and substance of who we are to the surface. Rather than obsessing about what can happen, choose to respond with strength and character. While challenging in moments, you will be a stronger person for it in the long run. That and breathe. The substance of who you are is phenomenal and stunning. Allow the goodness of who you are to rise to the surface.
3. It’s only through these seasons that we develop perseverance.
In the waiting, you discover the tough stuff we’re made of. Right now I’m in a strange season. One of figuring out how my expectations, bank account, and the realities of life all fit together. With pending purchases, business decisions, and wrapping up school on the horizon I find that it can feel overwhelming if I try to conquer it all at once. I’m learning to wait well, to move forward, and to embrace all that the next day can offer. Even as I wait.
What are your biggest takeaways from seasons of waiting?
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