What is waiting well and what does it entail?

Okay, here’s the expanded question:
What does it truly mean to “wait well” in a modern context, considering the constant pressure for instant gratification and immediate results? I’m not just asking about being patient. I’m interested in a deeper understanding. What active steps can one take to not just endure periods of waiting, but to actually thrive and use that time productively and purposefully? Does “waiting well” look different depending on the situation – for example, waiting for a job offer versus waiting for a medical diagnosis, versus waiting for a creative project to materialize? What are the psychological, emotional, and even spiritual components of waiting well? Are there specific skills or mindsets that contribute to the ability to wait well? How does one navigate the uncertainty and potential disappointment inherent in waiting, and how can we distinguish between waiting purposefully and passively accepting undesirable circumstances? Furthermore, how does the concept of “waiting well” relate to goal setting and personal growth; and are there examples of people in history or contemporary society who exemplify “waiting well” and what lessons can we draw from their experiences?

Answer

Waiting well is an active and intentional state of being during periods of delay, uncertainty, or unfulfilled longing. It’s not passive resignation, but rather a purposeful engagement with the present while holding onto hope for the future. It entails a combination of cultivating inner peace, seeking growth opportunities, and maintaining faith.

Specifically, waiting well entails:

• Acceptance of the Present: Acknowledging and accepting the reality of the situation, including the delay or uncertainty. This doesn’t mean liking it, but rather recognizing it as the current reality. It involves letting go of resistance and the desire to control the timing.

• Mindfulness and Presence: Focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or anxiously anticipating the future. This includes practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply paying attention to sensory experiences.

• Self-Care: Prioritizing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This might involve exercise, healthy eating, sufficient sleep, spending time in nature, engaging in hobbies, and nurturing relationships.

• Emotional Processing: Allowing oneself to feel the full range of emotions that arise during the waiting period, such as frustration, disappointment, sadness, or anxiety. It involves acknowledging these feelings without judgment and finding healthy ways to process them, such as journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking professional help.

• Finding Meaning and Purpose: Identifying activities and pursuits that provide meaning and purpose in the present, even while waiting for something else. This might involve volunteering, pursuing a creative project, learning a new skill, or engaging in activities that align with one’s values.

• Maintaining Hope and Faith: Holding onto a belief that the desired outcome is possible, even when it seems distant or uncertain. This might involve practicing gratitude, visualizing the desired outcome, and surrounding oneself with positive influences. Faith, whether religious or secular, can be a powerful source of strength and hope.

• Seeking Growth and Learning: Using the waiting period as an opportunity for personal growth and development. This might involve learning new skills, exploring new interests, addressing personal weaknesses, or deepening existing relationships.

• Practicing Patience: Cultivating patience and understanding that things often take time and that delays are sometimes unavoidable. This involves letting go of the need for instant gratification and learning to trust the process.

• Setting Boundaries: Establishing healthy boundaries to protect one’s time, energy, and emotional well-being. This might involve saying no to certain commitments, limiting exposure to negative influences, or setting clear expectations with others.

• Seeking Support: Reaching out to others for support and encouragement. This might involve talking to friends, family members, therapists, or joining support groups. Connecting with others who understand the challenges of waiting can provide comfort and perspective.

• Cultivating Gratitude: Focusing on the good things in life, even amidst challenges. Practicing gratitude can shift one’s perspective and help to maintain a positive outlook.

• Re-Evaluating and Adjusting: Being open to re-evaluating one’s goals and expectations if necessary. Sometimes, waiting leads to the realization that what was once desired is no longer the best path. It’s about adapting and aligning desires with evolving circumstances.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before you today, wrestling with the concept of "waiting well." It seems so simple on the surface, yet in the depths of our hearts, we often find impatience, anxiety, and a yearning to rush ahead of your perfect timing.

What is waiting well, Lord? Is it merely passive acceptance, a resignation to the inevitable? Or is it something more active, more vibrant, more infused with your grace?

We believe waiting well entails:

• Trusting in your sovereignty: Knowing that you are in control, even when we don’t understand the circumstances. Remind us that your plan is always perfect, even if it differs from our desires.
• Prayerful persistence: Continuing to bring our requests before you, not with a demanding spirit, but with humility and faith. Help us to pray without ceasing, even as we wait.
• Active obedience: Continuing to do the good work you have given us to do, even in the midst of waiting. Show us how to be faithful in the small things while we anticipate bigger blessings.
• Growing in character: Using the waiting period as an opportunity to develop patience, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of your love. Mold us and shape us into the people you desire us to be.
• Finding joy in the present: Recognizing the blessings that surround us each day, even as we long for something more. Teach us to be grateful for the moments we have, and to appreciate the beauty of your creation.

Father, grant us the grace to wait well. Still our restless hearts. Fill us with your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to trust in your timing, to obey your commands, and to find joy in the journey. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.