There comes the waiting game: nobody is fond of it, but there is undeniable strength in sitting back and being patient.
Whether we realize it or not, there are things in life that simply take time.
Though, it can be easy to become blinded; to get caught up looking for the answers, for the purpose that is still hidden, the end result on the other side of the wait.
Sure, impatience is inevitably bound to make an appearance at some point in time, and for me, it has been present in an abundance. But there's one personal situation that is notably coherent and continues to prove to me daily that some things are, in fact, worth waiting for.
It was my first year of junior high. Among the many unfamiliar faces of a new school, I came across a guy who turned out to be the most selfless and caring person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Within no time at all, a friendship easily emerged, as if it were meant to happen that way. Comprised of a genuine heart with a manly demeanor, he is nothing less than a loving protector- strong in morals and steady in generosity. But through the duration of nearly five years following, I waited. Rather, he waited. I waited to come to my senses. I waited to truly grasp that he is the person I've always prayed for. And he'd been right in front of me, with open arms since the day I met him.
But my stubborn heart led him to linger. He waited for me. He waited until I made my fair share of mistakes, learning lessons one by one, and he was there when I was open to accepting the sincerity and respect he's never failed to show me. He waited. In the midst of all-things-unpredictable, his support and guidance remained a constant. When I was weak, he was strong. He was bold when I was fearful and hopeful when I was unsure. I waited to understand why I was putting myself through all the wrong things when I could've easily had the world. But I needed the wait, for it was more so a time of preparation. Preparation for me, preparation for us. Today, he never lets a moment pass without assuring me the wait was worth it. Timing is powerful, and patience is key. The right moment will come for the best reason, and suddenly things make sense again even when you thought the doubt would never subside. Because it does, eventually and beautifully, right when it's supposed to.
Wait for the moment you feel things start falling into place, for the peace it brings will appear to be endless. Laughing will come easily, and loving will be natural.
Wait for your second reaction, once clarity catches up to you- the one that welcomes a better perspective after you're replenished from a lash of anger.
Wait for those friends- those selfless and supportive friends who remain true even outside of common convenience; I promise they're out there. They'll have your back through thick and thin, and they'll be there for you even if obstacles are present. When you find them, hold onto them.
Wait for the day you are able to let go of the past- when all things that weigh you down are far in your rear view and no longer standing in your way. You'll feel free and unstoppable; the world will be yours again.
Wait to judge, or rather do not judge at all. But before forming an impression, get to know that person. Dig into their heart, offer understanding.
Wait for love, and do not settle for anything other than pure love itself. Know your worth, then find someone who is deserving of the love you have to give, and one who gives every ounce back. That someone who will challenge you to be the best version of yourself possible.
We all withhold the potential for impatient tendencies. Commonly, we anticipate Friday even when it's just Monday. If only we were wholly mindful to the actuality of enjoying the week rather than rushing through it, we'd allow room for a better flow.
It's gratifying to live life without the draining bustle. Once you're able to find comfort in the fact that things come together the way they're meant to be, you'll appreciate them when they finally do.
So, my advice to you: wait. Wait it out. There are things that are unmistakably worth it.
It won't be easy- it may take a while to find that calming acceptance after being on standby for so long, impatiently waiting for something to happen the way you hoped it would.
But if it's meant to be, your plan will prevail, even ten times greater than you could've imagined.
While waiting, find yourself. Instead of looking for answers, look for the boundless opportunities this life has to offer. Look for laughter in the confusion, and search for hope even in uncertainty.
And when you land where you're meant to be, in the right place and at the right time, you'll feel a new understanding in multiple aspects. You will value the goodness that has come out of the wait and thus believe in the power of patience.
"And so it was..that she, having waited long and endured patiently realized and obtained what God had promised" Hebrews 6:15
