What To Do While You Wait

Have you ever been in a long line at the store and stuck by a complainer? You know, the lady with her nose up in the air, tapping her foot (not even in rhythm), checking her watch every five seconds while complaining (to whoever will listen) about how they need more lines open and she doesn’t have time to stand here all day, and her kid has soccer practice in 20 minutes, and she won’t have time to stop by the house to take her dog out, and now her whole day is ruined because she has to wait in line.

The other day, I realized how often I must sound like that griping lady with my prayers. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this because we are really good at giving God complaint lists. “God, why is this taking so long?” or “God, this is the worst.” or “God, I am so frustrated in this season.” or “God, everything is ruined because you didn’t do this.”

Waiting is difficult and long and exhausting. Waiting absolutely sucks. Can I get an “Amen”?

But what if we changed our perspective on this? What if instead of being the griping lady in line, we get our minds off of how long the line is, and how much time has passed, and focus on how amazing God is? What if instead of crying out and resisting, we surrender, and rejoice, and thank God for what He’s up to?

Last month I wrote, “When You’re Waiting For the Promise”  and shared what God has been teaching me on “how” to wait, but this month I want to share some specific things I’m learning while I’m waiting.

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. –Isaiah 40:31

God always teaches me key things during wait times if I let Him, and this time is no exception. I’ve learned that waiting time is only wasted time if I let it be. I decided instead of a complaint list, I wanted to make a list of all the cool things God is doing in me and around me while I wait. So here I am, sharing it with you.

While I’m waiting…

My faith is being strengthened. My courage is bigger than yesterday. I am confessing, “I trust You, God” more than ever before.

I am focusing on what’s in front of me and not on things that are off in the distance. I am seeing the beauty in the small things that I would have easily overlooked before this.

I am realizing that God asks me to do crazy things sometimes and I don’t question Him like I used to. I am adventuring like crazy and saying yes instead of making excuses.

I am tuning into the Holy Spirit more and more. I am soaking in His presence. I am resting in Him.

I am taking more time for myself, doing things I love to do — watching the sunrise at the beach, tucking myself away in a coffee shop, visiting the green market, crafting on my porch, etc.

I am preparing myself for the journey ahead and being responsible with what He’s entrusted to me.

I’m being pursued by the Lord in a different way, one that is filled with so much intricate beauty.

Friend, I hope this little letter helps you realize what God is teaching you while you wait. That maybe you can trade your complaints into praise and maybe even write your very own letter and encourage someone who needs it. Let’s stop being that griping lady in the grocery store and start celebrating what God is doing in the wait.