“Waiting.” Just saying the word brings up all kinds of images, doesn’t it? Waiting in line; waiting for a table; waiting for vacation; waiting for school to start (or be over); waiting for the test results; waiting until I have the money; waiting until I know what to do. No matter what we’re waiting “for,” waiting is rarely high on our list of things to look forward to. After all, it’s just an empty gap in life; a time when nothing’s really happening – isn’t it?
Engagement
The past few months I have had the privilege of witnessing the “waiting” of my daughter’s pregnancy. Waiting for hormones to settle down; waiting to feel the stirrings of new life; waiting to look pregnant; waiting for others to feel movement; waiting for check-ups; waiting to discover the baby’s gender; waiting for baby showers; waiting to set up the nursery; waiting to hold baby in my arms; and yes, waiting to have my body back. Any mother will tell you that the waiting of pregnancy is anything but a passive or empty time; in fact, it is highly purposeful. I believe this is true of all waiting if we are conscious in our experience.
Opportunities
Waiting for something creates a transition from one point in our lives to another. It affords us time for preparation. Waiting allows us to experience anticipation and desire. In fact, generally the longer we wait for something the more longing we have and the more we value the outcome. Waiting is the avenue for developing patience and the capacity to delay gratification or pleasure. It offers the opportunity for true appreciation when the waiting is over.
Choice
If you find yourself in a time of “waiting,” I invite you to make the most of it. See what it stirs up in you. Choose to be open to the experience of being in-between. Notice if anxiety, fear, impatience, frustration or anger creep in. Practice stretching your capacity to tolerate where you’re at and pay attention to what offers you relief and reassurance. Waiting can be a purposeful opportunity to grow or an aggravation – the choice is ours.
