Someone asked me this week, "What do you do in the waiting?". Whether you're waiting on graduation, the perfect person to walk into your life, an engagement, or you're simply anxiously awaiting COVID-19 to end, I have a few tips that might be helpful.
I've done a lot of waiting. I've waited on graduation, dating my husband, marriage, school to end, summer to begin, a new job to begin, a business to begin, and the list goes on. I'm starting to think that the waiting will never end. Like a relay race, you finally get what you want in one hand and then what's ahead of you seems so far away. I've been there! I finally got to date the man of my dreams, but when I had him, I found myself seeking the next milestone, marrying him, instead of enjoying the journey we were taking together. It's TOUGH. One thing I've learned from the dreaded stand still is waiting can be a beautiful thing, but we often miss the movement in the waiting. In other words..... I've wasted a lot of waiting.
Today, I hope that I can help you understand your season of waiting just a little bit better and shed some light on what NOT to do with the time that seems to be dragging by.
1. Rest in the Waiting
I have to admit, this is a tough one. My anxious, overactive mind fights this on a daily. I'm not victorious in this area, but I am learning to do better. I tend to think that if I have down time, that means I should be doing something else. I end up feeling guilty if I'm not being productive or I'm indulging in extra sweet treats or if I'm binge watching my favorite show. Truth is, sometimes our "waiting" is an outlet for rest spiritually, mentally, physically, or emotionally. It's okay to really rest and prepare yourself to be the best version of YOU. If you come out of waiting tense, overwhelmed, and in a bind, then you won't be ready for what comes next. I'm not saying you have to have 6 pack abs, study all day everyday, or reinvent yourself completely by the time "waiting" is over. I'm saying, do what you need to do to have a clear mind, a full heart, and confidence in who you are. That may look like binge watching FRIENDS all week to relieve stress and just get a good laugh, or it may look like starting a new work out routine to refresh your spirit and help you to feel better physically and mentally. Whatever it looks like for you, don't feel guilty about it. Rest looks different for all of us and that's OKAY.
2. Don't Look Back
I tend to always look back, but especially while I'm waiting. I am constantly wondering if I did the right thing, if I could've been more prepared, or if I took a wrong turn. I beat myself up everyday over things that I can't change. Looking back only results in misery and spoils everything in front of you. Looking back robs you from the joys of life and belittles your victories while ruining the dreams by making you think you're not good enough. What is in the past is in the past, we can only learn from it and do better next time. Take comfort in knowing that God has you where you are for a reason, and He can use shortcomings for His glory.
3. Be Grateful for the Present
From my experience, my seasons of waiting tend to come after a big event or major change. After I met Joseph, who is now my husband, we were friends for a year and a half before we started dating. I was a senior in high school and not only was I awaiting graduation, but I was also awaiting dating the one God chose for me. Looking back, I realize that during that time God was preparing my heart for what was coming next. He was orchestrating a time for me to become more acquainted with who He called me to be and, in my head, I just thought I was "waiting." The time you're sitting in now may seem like a total waste of time to you, but God is still working and moving. Be grateful for the present and the unknown wonder of what God is doing right now.
4. Look Forward Don't Fast Forward
Looking forward and dreaming big is fun, but sometimes we use those things to mindlessly ride through our lives while looking for the next big thing. It's easy to get stuck in the revolving door of longing. Trust me, it is A-OKAY to be excited for what's to come! Just make sure you're not missing what's in front of you in the moment. I reflect on the times I was so ready for the next thing, and I realize that I missed out on soaking in the moments that could have been the most precious memories. I have a hard time remembering a few defining moments of my life because I was so caught up in the desires I had for the future. Try to be in the moment and don't fast forward your life because there is always going to be something that you want next.
Waiting is HARD. I am in no way a pro at the waiting game. Actually, I'm pretty bad at it. My anxiety takes the driver's seat, and it's hard to get out of my own head. My mind tends to feel trapped, unhinged, and depressed, but what I've learned is that God is always using my physical immobility for growth. I may not see it while I'm in it, but He always shows me my puzzle pieces falling into place later on.
I hope that you may find hope in this post. I write it with an aching heart knowing exactly what you're feeling. Your soul purpose is not lost in your waiting. It's actually being magnified and strengthened by the One that holds tomorrow in His hands. Don't waste your waiting like I did mine... abide in Him and you will abide in it.
With love,
MD
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