What are you waiting for?

The season of anti-waiting has begun: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and a countdown engendering panicked hurry. No need to wait in lines with the promise of one-day shopping on Amazon. I’m not writing as one immune to the rush or even to rail against online shopping. I was online conquering the list with the rest.

This question though has a double meaning.

The first read-through is a call not to wait. It’s a rebuke to get off the couch and do something by golly. Being a woman of action I hate to wait. I hate to wait on getting things done and I especially hate to wait when others are involved. I can hear my own voice speak this question with a tone and volume signaling everything counter to wait. My children, my husband and the people who work with me have experienced this question complete with toe-tapping and arms folded. Voice, body, and face even without the words signaling that someone isn’t waiting well.

But read it again with me. What are you waiting for?

The whole origin of Christmas is about waiting. Waiting for the promise fulfilled. Waiting for the Savior to come. Waiting for the Light to break through the darkness. Yes Virginia, there really are some things worth waiting for. The reality too is that somethings we have no other option but to wait.

Advent is a counter-cultural experience to the norm that waiting is to be avoided at all costs. But during this season of Advent, waiting isn’t a waste of time. Waiting is a time to prepare. We prepare our hearts, we make space in our lives, we surrender to the wait and look with hope. Having gone through more pregnancies than many I know rushing what takes time is futile.

Many years ago Charles Wesley penned the words to this Christmas Carol

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Waiting produces a yearning for what is expected. Can you identify with the yearning in these words?

I am learning that in the waiting room there is gain if I am willing to pause, listen, look and reflect on what God reveals there.

Wait. Wait. Wait for it.