I had promised in this Instagram post that stories and photographs from the Sahara would come out this morning, but alas– we have a surprise visitor with us tonight and I’m not quite done editing.
Recently, I’ve been thinking about why most of us hate to wait. We dislike waiting in line at the grocery store. We don’t like to wait for our meals at a restaurant. And we certainly do not enjoy waiting to hear the outcome of something in which we’re deeply invested. At the edge of our seats, completely without control over the situation, we experience a tiny bit of humiliation in the limits of our power. We already know what it is we want, but no matter how much we will we cannot make it so.
I’ve been challenged with waiting. Not just waiting with a little extra griping on the side, but waiting in full patience, fortitude, faith, and gratitude. Waiting is one of the most uncomfortable states, because we eagerly anticipate an outcome but cannot change reality with how we feel. Our emotions seem for naught as we ride their highs and lows in the midst of daily life. Most importantly, our present tasks become low in priority, and we might even begin to underperform. The act of waiting can be so overwhelming that all else fades.
So how do we wait well? I’m still figuring it out. I’m learning to take each day as it comes: to lay all my tasks before me, and to pursue excellence in each of them. The hardest thing about this is that my current tasks seem to have so little bearing on the outcomes of the thing for which I wait, so motivation alone can’t get me through. I am, instead, challenged to be faithful to my commitments; the quality of my work should be no lower simply because it fails to ease my waiting.
I desire fullness in all seasons– even in seasons of transition. I don’t want to look back and say, “This is the year when I did that great thing, and the year before that was spent wondering if I would do that great thing.” Life is ever present; needs are pressing; and the unexpected can unfold if we are willing to press forward. There are great things in every season. It is true that we are sometimes given the wait– the silence, the stillness, and even the puzzling barrier– but waiting does not have to hinder the fruit we bear. That’s our choice alone.
How do you deal with seasons of waiting?
Thank you Samara! I appreciate that! And we’re not alone in the waiting seasons… I’ve realized through writing this that so many people are walking through this.
Thank you, Brittany! You’re exactly right… waiting is not inactive but engaging. I’ve been pondering the first part of 1 Thess 4:3– that God’s will for our lives is our sanctification. Insert laughing/crying emoji!
Hi Daisy! First, I don’t think I’ve met anyone through blogging with my name, so nice to meet you! Second I’m so glad you stopped by. I don’t really know why waiting is so hard for us. But for me it’s definitely about control.
Ahh so glad you enjoyed reading this, Elise. I hate waiting, I really do. 1 Thess 4:3 keeps echoing in my mind: this is God’s will for your life: your sanctification. Arrrrrrghhh haha 😀
Ugh I know, I’m sorry it’s so cryptic. I’ve applied to a couple opportunities (some are more “exciting” than others) but I just hating waiting to figure out what it’s going to be! I can say though that it’s unlikely we’ll be moving overseas. I haven’t heard back from the organization yet, but it’s looking like bad timing for us. 🙁 which breaks my heart.
Wow – these are some good words right here! Thank you so much for sharing. I have been in a season of waiting basically until recently. There were so many ups and downs, and your words have really encouraged me. Thank you 🙂
Beautifully written post Daisy! But I guess I am waiting eagerly to hear about what is this thing you are waiting for!
Daisy, this gave me chills! I so appreciate the way you share your heart here, in ways that are both deeply meaningful for you, but also in ways that connect with your readers. I especially love your remarks about pursuing excellence in the waiting. Waiting is not inactive, but sometimes engaging in life during the waiting time doesn’t get us any closer to what we’re waiting for. Frustrating, but necessary.
Daisy, I see your comments over on Simply + Fiercely all the time & clicked through. ? This definitely made me think about waiting more. Like how we often run to catch the train/taxi/elevator when there’s another one coming in a few minutes. Huh.
How did I miss this post??? Lately I am so frustrated waiting for reality to catch up to my dreams. I keep wanting to give up on some of the dreams and the soft, constant voice of God keeps telling me to “wait” – sigh.
Ah I definitely remember missing the bus or train when I lived in Boston… not fun, especially in the winter! And yes, it’s hard to find ways to enjoy life when you think it could be so much better, but I strongly believe that every season has its purpose. Hopefully I can align my emotions with that as well!
I like that perspective, Emilie, even if it was difficult! Gratitude certainly helps with impatience.
You’re right– I think we also like to fill that awkward “waiting time” with chatter, especially if there are other people around!
Thank you, Hannah! I appreciate that– it’s been an especially rough month of waiting!
Thank you Christina! I appreciate that! You’re so right- not having control is a really difficult for us who are type-A…. and surrendering that is not easy.
This is so beautifully written Daisy!! I’ve been struggling with the feeling of waiting as well the past few weeks, not knowing what’s going to be in store for me a year from now is actually something that terrifies me. I like to feel in control, and waiting is something that make you feel anything but! I’m still a work in progress with figuring out how to make the most of waiting as well, but would love to hear more of your thoughts on this as you learn too!
This is a beautiful post, Daisy!! I find it so encouraging to hear of others who are in seasons of waiting right now. Waiting can be a beautiful time, and a wonderful part of our life narrative…but it sure can be hard! I appreciate you tackling this subject! Thinking of you as you strive to do this season of waiting well!!
I am ok with waiting most of the time, if I am waiting to see the doctor I am good as long as I am alone and have a book, waiting for school to get out in the afternoon also not a problem since I have a book. However, if I am waiting with someone else I usually feel like I should be chatting to that person and spend some time trying to think of something to talk about, I am no good at small talk
2015 was a year of waiting for me and probably one of the hardest years of my life. I tried to focus on what I had instead of what I wanted but it was easier said than done!
I tried writing this comment on my phone before, but apparently Disqus hates me and ate my comment >.< You have no idea how much I hate waiting – both figuratively and literally! (Really, when I miss the bus I rather walk for a station or two than wait for ten minutes – that's how impatient I am!) So I can definitely identify with your feelings! I'm not in a transitional period in my life, but I do sometimes find myself anxiously awaiting what comes next, whatever that may be. I have noticed, though, that this usually has a negative effect on my mood – how can you enjoy the present when the future seems so much brighter? – and so I'm trying to concentrate on the here and now and at the end of the day, I think that's all we can really do to wait well! 🙂