Recognizing the Irritation and Opportunity of Waiting

What irritates you the most about waiting?

We passed the month threshold of the quarantine for the coronavirus. The CDC recommends the use of masks in public. Our routines came to a halt overnight. Not only that, but some of us also have to deal with the reality of loneliness by virtually connecting with people we love rather than seeing them in-person.

The act of waiting can run counter-intuitive to our natural way of life. The future seems on hold without any sense of light at the end of the tunnel. Our ability to do mundane tasks require extra planning and steps. That leads us to the question, “When do we stop waiting?”

Throughout the Bible, the writers of scriptures implore us to wait. Just this morning, I read Psalm 27:13-14, which concludes by saying this:

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

PSalm 27:13-14

Waiting in scripture has more to do with activity than inactivity. Said another way, waiting is not doing anything. As much as waiting irritates us at this moment, we have an opportunity to grow.

Here are five opportunities in a season of waiting:

1. Waiting reveals our deepest longings and desires.

Waiting often gives us more time to think. More time to think invites us to pray. We can live day to day, pushing down our deepest longings and desires. In a season of waiting, you now have the opportunity to shine a light on the hidden areas that matter to you.

2. Waiting focuses us on gratitude.

Gratitude seems simple, but I know it’s far too easy to see the world as a glass half empty with complaints. Waiting slows us down long enough to thank God for the sunrises each morning, His faithfulness in the past, and even the moments of levity in the quarantine. In this season, we have a more comprehensive view of the goodness of God.

3. Waiting allows us to hone our gifts.

Rocky IV was on TV the other day. My favorite part includes his montage training scene in Russia. The fantastic 1980’s synthesizer music starts while he works out in the archaic countryside gym. That’s waiting. You might not fight with Ivan Drago, but what gifts has God given you to hone? Write, make videos, take a training, open that kit. What can you do to hone a gift?

4. Waiting creates moments for memories.

Hayley, my daughter, and I have taken rides each day listening to “Raise a Hallelujah” driving around Lake Ontario. Robyn, my wife, and I have laughed often along with meaningful conversations. As difficult as this season has been, I have loved the extra time with family. Waiting means catching moments that you might pass over. It’s just a phase. Don’t miss it.

5. Waiting prepares us for the future.

Someday the lockdown and quarantine will end. How will your life change? I heard Jon Acuff share that this season has become a new time for resolutions. Why don’t we take this opportunity to prepare for the future? You can hit the ground running rather than missing out.

What other opportunities can you see in waiting? Share them in the comment section below.

Photo by Charles Deluvio on Unsplash