patience and waiting

I often times find myself wanting things to happen before their due time. Forgetting there is beauty in letting go, having patience, and trusting in something bigger than myself having the best possible outcome in store for me. At least this is what I try to remind myself constantly. Today’s service I listened to emphasized the posture of waiting and I loved it - funny how words tend to be spoken to you just when you need them. A main point made, was how we tend to associate waiting with negative connotations, such as vulnerability, un-productivity, or neediness. The example given was to picture yourself waiting for someone to arrive at a café, where you scheduled to meet. I actually envisioned myself sitting there (one of my favorite environments ever), no coffee ordered yet, and resisting the urge to whip out my phone and do something “productive” on it so I wasn’t “wasting time”… “waiting”. The reward of leaving my phone tucked away is always sweet - as I just sit presently with my thoughts, and observe the people, smells, and world around me. With a more open posture you never know what you may notice, provide, or invite in…noticing someone acting kindly which encourages you to do the same, providing a smile to someone who really needed it, even inviting in thoughts or a human encounter. Instead of thinking of waiting on someone or an event as negative, I am happier when I put a positive spin on it - how lovely that I get to wait on my friend and welcome them into the cafe, or get a few moments to myself - which I always love. In a bigger life metaphor - how exciting that we get to wait and see where something is going, and being excited about the unknown. As Oprah says, “I believe one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself is time - time to be more fully present.” Waiting patiently and faithfully lets us sit presently in time; and release a forceful grip on our agenda, which prevents the natural ebb and flow that should be happening. This is a simple example but I appreciated having this concept brought to my attention.

This year especially, has been a year of waiting for me - for many reasons. It has been frustrating but when I rephrase the waiting game in my head, I feel calm, at peace, and know the right things will fall into place, when they are meant to. (Sometimes easier to keep in mind than others). Realizing and remembering I don’t have control, is almost the best way of being in control… in control of my contentment and peace. As I continue to spend more time in nature (the best place for me) and study landscape design, I am recognizing so many beautiful metaphors easily over looked between our lives and nature. The fact that nature grows when it does and we should not force it, is simply a good one. The flower will bloom when ready… just be patient and wait.