Most of us don’t like to wait. We grow impatient waiting for the traffic light to change, the coffee to brew, the water to boil for the pasta. We glance at our watches as we stand in the checkout line, sit in a doctor’s office, or wait for an elderly person to get to the point of her long and convoluted story.
Why is waiting so hard for us? For one thing, we are busy people. Demands come at us from all sides—from family, friends, work, church. All the time-saving devices we’ve invented and use every day don’t seem to save us any time. Or if they do, we just cram more and more activities and projects into the time that we have. As a writer, for example, I know the computer has made my writing immensely easier. When I recall the electric-typewriter-and-carbon-paper days, I wonder how I ever produced anything. But because of the convenience of the computer I sometimes put greater demands upon myself to produce more and more!
Our busyness has given rise to a rather new phenomenon known as multitasking. I personally wish the word had never been invented. Multitasking means instead of focusing on doing one thing at a time, we are expected to do two, three, or even more things all at once. When I pick up my order from a fast food place, for example, I notice the person at the window is talking. But she is not talking to me. She’s taking the order of the person three cars behind me! And while she’s taking their order, she’s getting my drink, making my change, and handing me my food—all at the same time!
But another reason we have a hard time with waiting goes deeper than our busyness. When we wait we are not in control. Whatever we are waiting for is out of our hands, whether we’re waiting for a letter to come, a baby to be born, an illness to pass, spring to arrive, or even a loved one to die. At such times we know we are at the mercy of factors that are beyond our control. And that can be hard for us. Maybe that’s why Richard Rohr wrote, “Suffering is when you are not in control.”
But I believe this is precisely why waiting can be good for us and our spiritual life. It reminds us that despite our science, technology, medicine, creativity, and intelligence we must at times yield to forces that are greater than we are. At times we must let go of our incessant need to do—and just sit and wait. We Christians have an advantage in this regard, for we believe ultimately our lives are not in the hands of blind or malevolent forces, but in the hands of a God who loves us more than we can imagine.
So the next time you’re waiting for something, tell yourself, “Okay, I’m not in control.” Then smile and say to yourself, “But I know ultimately Who is!”
Do you find it hard to wait? Why?
8 Responses
I find it easier to wait as I get older. Not sure why, but it seems that there’s no point in rushing and getting all stressed about being in a hurry. If I’m late, then I’m late, what’s going to happen? Probably nothing. Maybe as we age and grow in wisdom and maturity, we realize that all the rushing and hurrying doesn’t really make a difference in the scheme of things.
If waiting means we’re out of control, then I suggest we build in something to do when we’re waiting so we can “take back control” of the situation. Maybe say a small prayer, thank God for the opportunity we are in at the moment, smile at the checkout clerk, check your email, play a game, or read something on your smart phone. I think it’s best to try to appreciate and enjoy the situation we are in at the time.
Another gifted author once wrote: “We spend so much of our time wanting things to be better and different that we fail to see our real gifts. There are banquets in our life and we don’t enjoy them because we are always grasping for something more: the perfect schedule, the perfect work, the perfect friend, etc. We have to realize that God’s gifts are all around us, that our life is basically good.” Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB
Dear Chris, I’m like you: hoping to grow in wisdom and maturity as I age! Thank you for your examples and the great quote by John Chittister, OSB. I hope I am able to appreciate all those “banquets” in my life the older I get. Thanks again for your wise words! Melannie
Without my smart phone I would say I had a difficult time just “waiting” with nothing else to do. As Sr Joan said, there are many things you can do while waiting now……check your email, check the stock market, check for texts, or even use the phone to actually make a phone call. The hard part is simply waiting or not cluttering your mind with all the other aforementioned clutter!
As a hospice nurse, many times I just sit at my patient’s bedside when they are dying. Nothing to do but wait, and talk to the family if they are actually there. Unfortunately many times it is myself and another member of the hospice team, and no family. I hope this doesn’t sound strange, but these are some of my most peaceful times. The person’s job on earth is completed, and whatever they believe of the after life is right around the corner for them.
Thanks for reminding me to stop…….WAIT………and be peaceful!
Dear Joan, You make a good point about how we can so easily fill every “waiting time” with a specific task. I’m sure your work with the dying gives you a wise perspective on living. Thanks for sharing! Melannie
I have come to appreciate more and more that the only moment I have is NOW so why not live in it! It is where God is. Thanks for your reflection.
Yes, how precious is each NOW. I like the quote: “Reality is God’s home address.” We could add, “So is every NOW.” Thanks, Dion! Melannie
Everytime I feel a bit of stress coming on I say I am exactly where I am suppose to be and I feel relaxed and not stressed.
Yes, we really have to center ourselves at times. Your way is a good one, Mary Beth. Thank you! Melannie