More and More Waiting

Time is confusing, complicated and mysterious. When an event is eagerly awaited, time drags. But when a dreaded occasion is looming, time flies.

Much of life is spent waiting for one thing or another.
Traffic light to change Someone to answer the phone Baby to be born Doctor to come Test results to return Tomato to ripen
Guests to appear Child to come home Pain to cease
Body to recover Interviewer to call Job to begin
Waitress to return Repairman to finish Flower to bloom
Storm to end Retirement to begin Letter to arrive
Sun to rise Night to fall Winter to end

From seconds to years, people wait. Insignificant waits often bring more stress and frustration than truly important ones. Impatience increases. Tempers rise over trivialities accompanied by wasted energy, hurtful words and bruised feelings. While some holdups just happen, others are consequences of certain behaviors. Unwelcome interludes can cause heartache, anxiety or anguish. But they can also bring relief, joy and renewal.

The Bible is full of people who waited. Noah waited for the rain after building the ark. Abraham and Sarah were old before having a son. Joseph waited in prison for years before becoming a leading citizen in Egypt. Moses waited forty years before leading the Israelites. They waited forty years before entering the Promised Land. Many never made it including Moses. Paul languished in prison for years but didn’t abandon his ministry. Anna and Simeon waited for years to see the Messiah. Jesus waited for thirty years before starting His ministry.

Periods of waiting help prepare for coming opportunities. Instead of fuming and complaining, embrace the interruptions. Not all waiting is wasted time. Patience increases. Plans change for better ones. Productive activities fill pauses. Rest occurs.

Enjoy the New Year with its periods of waiting.