Life involves waiting. We wait in lines, wait for results, wait on the phone, and wait for people to make decisions. It can be quite frustrating when we consider how much of our lives are spent waiting. Despite the frustration and annoyance that often accompanies it, waiting can be a source of genuine emotional, psychological, and spiritual growth. Waiting can help to build character and nurture within us the virtue of patience. Waiting also need not be idle. Often, we identify waiting with being passive. Yet, we know waiting can be very active. Consider parents waiting for the birth of a baby. They wait for the child’s birth, yet they are purchasing supplies, strollers, toys, etc. They are creating a room for the baby with a crib and fun decorations. Waiting need not be the same as inactivity. Rather, waiting can be active, preparing us and helping us to be ready for the coming of that for which we wait. The following resources can help cultivate a deeper understanding of the importance of active waiting and some ways waiting can help build character and cultivate the virtue of patience.
· This short video, Reflection on Waiting, from Catholic Health Association gives a glimpse into the importance of waiting during the season of Lent.
· Elizabeth Manneh guides us through four key elements of waiting for God’s timing in Waiting for God.
· The Center for Ministry Formation’s daily reflection on Waiting, explores the freedom waiting can bring.
· Self-Awareness: Waiting for Myself is a journal entry about the lessons learned while on a journey walking the Camino from Portugal to Spain, with special insight into waiting for myself.
· In 3 Benefits of Waiting in an Instant Gratification World, Terrance Layhew talks about three very important benefits that we can find in our waiting.