Have you ever noticed how we can’t wait for Friday, can’t wait until summer, or can’t wait until Christmas? We’re challenged when we have to wait for a loved one to return home or to visit. Or find ourselves being inpatient anxious waiters when we’re waiting for a tough situation to be resolved or waiting for our luck to change.
I’m guessing I’m not alone nor going out on a limb by saying waiting is hard!
Inspiration while waiting.
Some time ago I got together with a friend who was right in the middle of a season waiting for a dream opportunity. Despite the position all but being handed to her, one piece hadn’t Some fallen into place – the time. She’d been told she’d already “made the team” but, the timing was “not yet.” As she described how difficult it was for her dream to be realized, I thought of an analogy that helped us both shift our perspectives on waiting.
I explained that athletes typically make the Olympic team long before their big match or game. They know they’ve made the team but still it’s not time yet. During that wait, they wait by eating right, training hard, and pursing the lifestyle and habits of an Olympic athlete.
I challenged my friend, “What can you be using this time for?” How could she train, learn, grow, and be more prepared so that when it is her time she is “Olympic- athlete” ready. Sure she’s already “made the team” but what she chose to do with her wait time could make all the difference when it is time.
As I spoke, I realized the very words I was sharing with her apply to many aspects of life, including our faith life. If you’re a believer, you’ve already made the team. If you’re still working to identify your purpose or waiting for a door of opportunity to open, you may thought you were in a season of wait, but likely you’re in a season of training. It’s your season to prepare, to grow, so that you will be ready, the best you can be when it’s your time.
Four Things you can do in “the wait”:
1. Shift your attitude
We often feel powerless in the wait. It’s so easy to focus on the one things we can’t change – especially timing. But, what if we looked at time as a gift? Time to train, develop, and grow into a better stronger you. And perhaps this time could be cherished gift that allows you to do things that will be harder to do when your next opportunity is in full swing. Look at your wait and ask how the time could be a gift and use it to your advantage.
2. Develop your skills
What skill will help you when the wait is over? If for example you’re waiting for a publisher to sign your book idea, use the wait to hone your writing skills or edit your writing. If your wait is for a new job, what might help you when you start? Find a podcast, TED talk, or online webinar and choose a growth mindset. Use the wait time as a valuable gift to further develop your skills.
3. Find company to “share” your wait
Find a friend, coach, mentor, or support group who will help you stay on track during the “wait.” Is there someone who has successfully navigated the road you hope to travel? What can you learn from them? Or perhaps you have a friend who can share the gift of transparency with you. Together you can encourage each other during your season of wait.
4. Reassess why you are waiting
Are you waiting because you need to wait because of an external timing? Or have you prayed and are clear that the time is “not yet?” Or perhaps have you opted to stay in this season out of comfort, doubt or fear? Sometimes we get so comfortable waiting that we shift into neutral rather than digging deep, grabbing hold of our faith and courage and stepping forward when we know we should. Be willing to answer your why you’re waiting completely truthfully. If fear is holding you back, take time to identify the one next step you can take. Write it down and schedule it. Don’t stay in a season of wait unnecessarily. Life is too short!
It’s your turn:
What season are you in at the moment? Are you in a season of wait or possibly a season of training? Maybe you can be encouraged to look at your situation like an athlete waiting for their big game, choosing to use your time and opportunities to grow stronger so that you’re ready when the next door opens. Or, maybe this has been the wake-up call you’ve needed and you realize you’ve been waiting but it’s time to go and do. If so, shift your mindset and press on!
If this encouraged you, click to comment. I’d love to hear from you. And, why not click to share and encourage someone else who might be discouraged by a season of waiting?
Until next time friends, be blessed!
Oh yes. I’m in a waiting season right now. Your words are encouraging.
I’ll be making my way right down the list you provided. =8-D
Sandra, So glad my words are encouraging you friend! Blessings.
I absolutely love this and needed this! I’m in a season of waiting and I can definitely be working on some skills and learning instead of only just waiting. This is something I really needed to hear. Thank you!!!
Liz, Praying your season of waiting is a fruitful one. God’s reminded me of this analogy a few times and it has helped my perspective for sure. blessings.
I LOVE a good analogy! And this one is spot on. What a revolutionary way of changing my perspective on waiting. Training. Love it.
Yay Susan! I’m so glad you’ve had a perspective shift. It’s truly an empowering one. Blessings!
Susan, Great analogy and great advice. Waiting is hard but it is often made easier when we are proactive and positive. Visiting from By His Grace Bloggers. Blessings!
Thank you Deb. Love By His Grace Bloggers. I’m about to sit down and catch up on the many great posts. I’ll be sure to look for yours. blessings!
I am in a season of waiting, too. We found out yesterday that our landlord is selling our house so we need to find a new house to live in. So we are waiting to see where the Lord is going to move us next.
Rachel, Praying that as you wait to find out where you will land next that you have peace about the process and the right door opens for you and your family. While we can be surprised by sudden changes in life, it’s reassuring to know that God wasn’t caught of guard and already knows what’s next. Blessings!
I just came out of a protracted period of waiting. It took about 2 years to transition between churches with our move between houses, another year to be accepted to join the worship team. I was not always patient being suspended between the two churches and houses. Recently, I had to wait for winter to pass to get back to my seasonal job and the extra financial freedom after a winter of skimping with my savings account and not being able to tithe or give as I usually do. It was a blessing to work Saturday and be able to put my tithe in the offering Sunday! These waiting/transitioning times give us opportunity to grow patience and trust the Lord’s timing is better than ours!
Heidi, So glad you’ve come out of your season of waiting! Transitions can be tough… glad you’ve landed and are settling in. May you be blessed as the seasons change!