I’ve never been that good at waiting. Even now I find myself becoming impatient when things take longer than I’d like. Earlier memories of waiting for unwelcome events such as school exams, then waiting for the equally unwelcome events of school exams results seemed interminable and came around with far too much regularity.
Over these next two weeks I’m aware that many will be anxiously waiting for the results of their A Level and GCSE exams. I sympathise with their waiting times and pray all goes well in the next steps in life.
Perhaps at the heart of it this is what waiting is about: The significance of things we wait for are enhanced by knowing that anticipated outcomes can change the course and pattern of life.
I’ve been learning recently that a helpful stance while waiting is to take a moment or two and wonder about the present moment I’m inhabiting. To notice things, the people around me, and to reflect on the good that I see in all. I find this a way of not forgetting about whatever I’m waiting for, rather a way of not letting the waiting spoil the moments of life that bring joy and hope.
The Taize chant puts it simply and well:
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord: be strong, take heart. (Words taken from Ps 27:14)
Lord, in the times of anxious waiting
may we know your gift of peace of heart and mind.
In troubled or uncertain times
be the anchor that holds us steady.
And in all the lies ahead
be our companion and guide. Amen.
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