waiting seems to be the hardest word

Waiting is a normal occurrence in our lives. We wait for our turn, barely awake, early in the morning as our siblings use the bathroom. We wait in the comfort of our cars or in the suffocating heat of the jeep as we traverse the perpetual traffic in EDSA. We wait in line at the canteen every lunch time while our stomachs growl and the sweet aroma of food teases our senses. We wait, and wait, and wait, for that last day of c

lasses when we can finally enjoy the carefree days of summer.  We even wait, with great anticipation, for the announcement of the next American Idol. Waiting is very much a part of our lives. 

But how come it never gets easier? As you get older, just seems to get harder. Notice how we lose our patience easily as you approach your twilight years. It doesn't help either that we live in the world of the NOW. We want things immediately. We bang our keyboards if our high-speed internet fails to open the website in less than three seconds. We complain and whine in desperation whenever fast food delivery isn't 'fast' enough.  We buzz incessantly when our IM buddy/chat mate fail to respond immediately. We fail to realize the beauty in waiting since all we've ever known is the urgency of the now.

Waiting is an art, and like any form of art, we need to learn from the Master if we want to truly 'master' it. 

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. - Psalm 27:14

It takes true courage to wait for the Lord. To fully surrender your will to God and wait, patiently, as he shows you the way, one step at a time, takes true courage. You never know what will happen in the next step. You do not know what obstacles or enemies are lurking behind the corner. You have no control to what will happen next. All you have is the assurance that the Lord will be with you and He will never forsake you. Humility is another ingredient to master the art of waiting. We are comfortable in the idea that God is the one who drives the wheel. All we have to do is wait and listen to his instructions.

I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God. - Psalm 38:15