Waiting is usually hard.  There are different types of waiting too.  There’s the waiting where you just-want-to-know-the-outcome-of-a-movie-to-put-an- end-to-your-suspense type of waiting.  There’s the waiting in anticipation of a joyous event like the birth of a baby, a vacation or a loved one’s return home.  Or, it can be the type of waiting that is intense worry because how this waiting ends is dependent on the call from a doctor. Then there’s the waiting for something to end knowing the outcome will be different than anything we’ve experienced before. Waiting-in-line-at-the-supermarket-so-we-can-get-on-to-our-next-thing is another type of waiting too.  When we release our waiting, no matter how painful, into the hands of a being bigger than us, that’s involves waiting on the Divine.

While we wait, there are two things that we can control that help us wait – breathing in the present moment and letting go.  All the human wishing, wanting, arguing and pleading usually has no affect on the wait time or outcomes. What we really want while we wait is a reprieve from the worry and uncertainty so we can move on.  But, there is something valuable that happens in that wait time or limbo as we wait.  Passing time may make the pain more bearable, but it’s what we do with that time that helps us heal. Perhaps the Divine brings about waiting to get us to be still and to notice.  In stillness we are able to feel our longings and not run away or be distracted by the loudness of the world.  In stillness we have the opportunity to see how our fortitude and creativity foster our ability to adapt to the waiting.  You may notice what inspires you and begin to feel that this is the Divine at work within you.  Look for it and listen carefully. There is beauty and meaning in the struggle as we wait. 

As you wait on the Divine to walk with you to that next thing – be it big or small – try to be aware of those people or things that feed you and help you maintain your peace and patience.  Is it a friend that brings you light, your pet, the sun, an affirming thought, a smile from a stranger, a sweet memory or a chocolate chip cookie? Maybe its remembering that you’re not alone that gives you a moment of peace. Just one moment of peace may be enough to feed our faith and turn our patience into tempered steel. Fortified patience allows you to hang on and be in anticipation of whatever comes next. The next thing just might be the ability to breathe again or the realization of a dream.

There are moments of waiting that still range from uncomfortable to unbearable.  Just try to be awake enough to notice the angels sent by the Divine’s bidding, that hold us while we wait.  If you’re waiting on the Divine, you’re waiting on the pull from the tether that is attached to your light and that of the Divine’s.  The tether is a braid made up of hope, faith and love.  You’ll need those virtues because while you may be pulled by the Divine into something wonderful, navigating unchartered territory is scary and exciting at the same time.  Hold onto the tether of virtues and be patient.  That’s what we learn from waiting.  Be brave, have faith in your capabilities and get your buckets ready to catch everything the Divine pours into your life. Wrap yourself in the thought that as you wait, the Divine is always waiting on you too.

Questions/activities to ponder or good journal prompts!

1. Does recognizing the different types of waiting speak to you? If so, think about what you have gleaned from each type.
2. We have the ability to be in the present moment and let go. Why is this so hard to do sometimes? Think of ways you can start this practice of being present. The key word in the previous phrase is “practice”.
3. Have you ever felt inspired while waiting? What happened? How did it feel?
4. What feeds your patience while waiting? Make a list.
5. Using the list you created in the previous question, think about how the Divine and the virtues of hope, faith and love relate to each item on your list.
6. Do you feel connected to the Divine and in what ways? Have you ever felt the pull? Why or why not?