Beauty in the waiting.

I've been thinking about the process of waiting this morning. For the majority of the human race, we don't like waiting. We like things on time. We want things now. We get frustrated if our iPhones don't respond immediately. And don't even start me with computers, I mean, if our email takes 3 seconds rather than 1 second to send, we are just about blowing steam out our ears.

I've been reflecting on the last two years of my life. I've recently stepped out into this new season, but it's definitely been a process. When things in our hearts begin to awaken, we generally want to write a list, and bam, make the move right away - running full steam ahead into a new season. But I've come to realise it doesn't really work like that. 

The definition of 'wait' is to remain in readiness for a purpose, and to remain in a state of repose until something expected happens. It also means to be available in readiness. Two years ago this dream to write a book was awakened in my heart. But I knew it was not the right time to get up, leave my job and run off into the sunset in a flowy dress with Chariots of Fire playing in the background. Character is something that cannot be purchased. And  the process of character development cannot be sped up. I know this season of waiting has allowed me to grow and develop in a way I could not have otherwise. :)

This is me waiting at the airport to fly to Port Douglas earlier in the year. The flight was delayed but we were happy to wait a little. Because a) we knew we'd prefer to have them fix the problem on the plane than something dangerous happening to us, and b) we knew our holiday was still happening, so we just grabbed our mags and enjoyed the wait.

What I have discovered about the waiting season, is that good things come from it. Perseverance is a highly distinguished quality, often admired when we see it in others. But perseverance, like character, cannot be purchased. So whatever season you are in, write your dreams and goals down and keep believing, but know that if there is a delay it is for a purpose. So grab some mags and just enjoy the wait. Below was our reward for waiting..

The hard times of waiting develop passionate patience in us. And that patience in turn produces character, and character produces hope, keeping us alert for what is coming next! In alert expectancy such as this, we never feel shortchanged. In fact it's quite the contrary. 

It's like that exhilarating feeling that comes when you actually book your holiday. There is waiting required, but you are driven by the hope of what is coming. You start preparing for it.. you begin planning your outfits (enough for day and night), you write your travel list, you work out which books you'll take to read, and... of course you'll need a new maxi dress for the pool.

And suddenly waiting becomes fun.

So let us be encouraged in our waiting. Like a woman awaiting the birth of her baby, eagerly awaiting the next season without fear but with great expectancy. I believe when we have seen something with our eyes of faith, we will surely see it come to pass. We just have to keep looking up. :)

Happy sunny cloudy Monday..

nat x