The Art of Waiting

The first thing I do after checking in for an appointment, say doctor or dentist, is to comb a rack or table for the latest People magazine. Not being fond of waiting, I find reading mindless material makes the time pass easier, gentler, and takes my mind off the tick tick tick. Usually, the wait is not as long as I anticipated. And sometimes, I release the urge to peruse the latest news on Brad or Jennifer, choosing instead to settle into a chair, close my eyes and corral my thoughts together, until I enter the peaceful place, the resting room. Having said that, I am finding that waiting all together is not an easy feat. This year I have experienced what I like to call, practicing the Art of Waiting. Whether it be sickness, marriage difficulties, economic struggles, death of a loved one, every one of us will at some time be asked to wait. I don't like that much. And this year, my resting room has too often posted a No Vacancy sign, its bold red letters telling me to give up hope, to trust my childhood God instead of truth. Today, I read a quote by E.M. Bounds. It goes like this, "Pray and never faint, is the motto Christ gives us for praying. It is the test of our faith, and the more severe the trial and the longer the waiting, the more glorious the results." Practicing the Art of Waiting requires me to switch off the No Vacancy sign every time it flashes. It requires me to pray in the morning, at work, on the fly, on my knees. It also asks that I trust God, trust his goodness, trust the unknown. My flip dictionary suggests other words for waiting, like rest, anticipate, interim. I like anticipate best. It feels good on my tongue, rolls off easier, and sounds more pleasant. I think I will add anticipate into my practice. I do not wish to miss the glorious riches that wait on the other side.