On Waiting: Learning To Practice Patience

Waiting. The mere mention of it can make some of us cringe. In today’s world of instant gratification, the idea of waiting seems almost archaic. We live in a time where everything is at our fingertips – from food deliveries to entertainment. Yet, waiting is an inevitable part of life, and embracing it can teach us a lot about patience, resilience, and even happiness. Waiting isn’t just about standing in line or sitting in traffic; it’s about understanding that not everything happens on our schedule. You might be waiting for a job offer, love, or simply a vacation. Each of these waits holds its own lessons. Here are a few things to do while waiting:

Practice Mindfulness

Enjoy your everyday life; work, family, friends, and laughter. Plan a trip, go alone or with friends. Get your mind off that thing you’re waiting for and don’t let it control you. “Live in the moment, tomorrow belongs to God,” is an excerpt from Asa’s song, IDG, featuring Wizkid, that resonates with me. The first time I heard it, it struck a chord with me because really, tomorrow belongs to God. We are sometimes so focused on our wants and needs that we forget to enjoy the beautiful everyday moments. I am not saying that you shouldn’t desire to have things or a certain kind of life, but while you are building that, focus on the moments in the present. They will become part of your cherished memories.

Growth

Have you had to wait for something so long that it forced you to develop patience? When you finally got it, you felt humble and grateful. That’s what waiting does for you. It helps you grow. You learn how to handle it better next time (if you are wise, that is lol). This is a season to develop yourself, to learn patience, and even to let go of the said desire. If you have been longing for or praying for something for so long and you don’t see it, just leave it alone. I’m not saying you shouldn’t desire it, but come to the point where you can say to yourself, “If I never have this thing in life, it’s not the end of the world.” More often than not, when you leave things alone, they eventually come back to you. And if they never do, rest assured you will get something better in another way. You will find true freedom when you let go.

Patience

Patience is the ability to tolerate delay without getting angry or upset. It’s a skill that can be developed with practice.

Here are a few ways to cultivate patience:

1. Change Your Perspective: Instead of seeing waiting as a waste of time, view it as an opportunity. It’s a chance to slow down and take a break from the rush of life.
2. Practice Gratitude: When you focus on what you have rather than what you’re waiting for, you become more patient. Gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance.
3. Develop Self-Control: Patience is closely linked to self-control. The more you practice controlling your impulses, the more patient you become. Next time you feel impatient, take a deep breath and count to ten.
4. Delayed Gratification: Delaying gratification is about resisting the temptation for an immediate reward and waiting for a later reward. This can be practised in small ways, like saving money for a bigger purchase instead of spending it impulsively.

Look for the Lesson

Every wait season has a lesson. Maybe it’s teaching you patience, resilience, or even humility. Look for the silver lining and try to learn from the experience. Waiting isn’t always easy, but it can be a powerful teacher. It teaches you patience, builds anticipation, and gives you time to reflect. By changing your perspective on waiting and embracing it as a part of life, you can find peace and even joy in those moments of delay. The best things in life often require time. A tree doesn’t grow overnight, and neither do good things in our lives. Embracing waiting can bring a sense of peace and fulfilment that instant gratification never will. In this age of instant everything, waiting can be a breath of fresh air, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the journey.