“Waiting time isn’t wasted time.”
Quote unattributed, but I heard it several times in Pastor Charlie’s sermon yesterday at DC Metro. Here’s another one.
“The power that we are promised is dependent on the wait. Be expectant in your waiting.” -Charlie Dawes ⠀We are still a nomadic church, which seems to bother everyone BUT me. But still, I don’t deny the anxiety a lead pastor and congregation must be feeling knowing we have no “permanent” home. God brings us trails of waiting, what do they mean? Below is what I’ve sussed out from my own experience.
1. Redefine your concept of waiting
One thing those “power of now” zen-gurus have taught me is that there really is no “waiting” time. It’s all the same currency, time. Something “is” happening, whether or not you acknowledge it is quite another thing entirely. Think of being in line at the DMV verus a Saturday running errands. I’m certain we’d all pick option 2: driving around listening to music, picking up dry cleaning and being productive versus glancing at the counter on the wall, and listening to a pack of unruly children fight over legos. Both experiences are where you are in the moment, and both burn the same amount of gas, one is not “better” than the other, which brings me to . . .
2. God puts you where He wants you
There is a reason you are at the DMV. Perhaps it’s learning a bit of humility. That’s one way to look at it. Another is to look around you. Is there someone YOU could help? Do those kids need inspiration for their DMV-lego monster? Can you give up your seat for someone who is in need? I’ve learned the hard way that there are no “lulls” in our lives. That’s our judgment creeping in. God doesn’t make mistakes. He has you right where you need to be. The sooner you move onto the next phase the better, which is . . .
3. Embrace it all, aka, grow where you’re planted
There are moments in life where you feel like you aren’t where you wanted or desired to be. That’s a frustrating feeling. Know what’s a better one? Embracing where you’re at; taking stock of what you have and leaning into wherever you currently reside. I once took a training class that compared management techniques to ballroom dancing (don’t ask). But I took home with me a pertinent lesson. When you are having fun dancing, so is your partner. In life, during those periods of “waiting” do something radical: have fun.
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Sound easier said than done? Of course! Our society doesn’t acknowledge the value of “waiting” time. We think we should “hustle” our way out of it, or pull out that smartphone to beat the boredom away. Be part of the counterculture–see the value in every moment, period and phase of your life. The lesson may not be clear at the time, nor the purpose. But if you spark up some inspiration and enjoy yourself in the moment, you’ll have more fun.
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