tulip in solitude (Photo credit: contemplative imaging)
“Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting until something happens over which we have no control: the arrival of the bus, the end of the rain, the return of a friend, the resolution of a conflict. Patience is not waiting passively until someone else does something. Patience asks us to live the moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to taste the here and now, to be where we are. When we are impatient, we try to get away from where we are. We behave as if the real thing will happen tomorrow, later and somewhere else. Let’s be patient and trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand.” Henri Nouwen
Why is waiting so hard? Waiting is a part of life and a big part of the writing life. Am I always waiting for the next thing or am I living fully in this moment? How can I learn to trust God with the times of uncertainty when I don’t know the outcome?
How do you persevere through times of waiting?
Laurie and Betsy
Patience is one of the most precious lessons of the writing life, I think. Trusting, because that is so much more efficient than trying to force the process.
Amen!
Boy, did I need this today. Thank you.
We persevere through times of waiting by remembering God’s faithfulness in the past. He who has called us into a place of waiting, will bring whatever it is to pass. We wait with active faith by embracing today’s lessons in the here and now.
Well said!
Thank you for this post. Just what I needed to hear!
*John Hambrick* Director of Starting Point / Staff Development Buckhead Church O: 404-814-7039 Twitter: @jambric
On Wed, Jan 30, 2013 at 6:09 AM, Writing Sisters wrote:
> ** > Writing Sisters posted: “ tulip in solitude (Photo credit: contemplative > imaging) “Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting > until something happens over which we have no control: the arrival of the > bus, the “
Hi Sisters! I love this message, as patience is not my area of expertise–although I’ve made considerable progress over 60 years! The trick–what works best for me–is to just keep busy during the waiting, preferably with something creative/productive; my hands and mind have to be occupied, or I’m like a hamster on a wheel! God bless you Big–love, sis Caddo
Yes indeed Caddo. Taking your mind off what you are waiting on certainly helps, such as distraction and delving into other tasks. Lot of truth in that old saying: “A watched pot never boils”.
Loving this blog and its followers… Julie
Thank you for helping us with the waiting thing! It helps me to remember all the wonderful things He has done for me and keep busy thanking Him. God bless you and your writing!
Yes, thanksgiving helps many things.