“I can’t wait ‘til . . .”

Life happens while you wait . . .

Day 3

Any sentence that starts with “I can’t wait ‘til...”, rarely ends well. Several bad attitudes emerge with these seemingly innocuous words. Impatience and ungratefulness are the two that quickly come to mind. But there is something more. They evoke a spirit of complaining and dissatisfaction.

You may ask, “well, what is so bad about complaining about my dissatisfaction?!” My answer—complaining is not the same as DOING something about your dissatisfaction! All griping does, is leave you with anger, sadness, and a deep sense of powerlessness. What is needed for action is an awareness of the dissatisfaction. Then stop there! Before you get carried away into victimhood, think of ways you can remedy your situation. And if there is nothing you can do to change your circumstances? Try gratitude. (I can feel your eyes rolling at me! But wait for it; I’m not done.)

For a huge chunk of my life, I spent it complaining, impatiently waiting for the next best thing to happen. As I waited for graduation, a breakthrough in my career, a new career, marriage, a child, a miracle, etc., the phrase: “I can’t wait 'til . . .” became my sad mantra. Sound familiar? What I failed to see is: life happens in the waiting. Many lessons, experiences and virtues (like patience) are to be gained while we are waiting, if we remain present and pay close attention.

A few years ago, when Caiden’s prognosis was less clear, I couldn’t wait for him to get better and reach milestones. I obsessed over these milestones, many of which would never come, and I failed to fully enjoy him, just the way he was—delightful and precious. Thankfully, I grieved into acceptance, and soon became obsessed with everything that makes him unique and so darn cute!!!

My point is . . . what are you missing out on while you are dissatisfied? What can you be grateful for while you wait for the next best thing? Instead of impatience, how about trying awareness? What’s happening right now that needs your attention? What might be gained if the wait is prolonged? What needs to get done before you get what you want? Better still, what can you enjoy, right now—that you may not be able to enjoy, once you get what you want (new moms know what I’m talking about!)? There is so much happening, so much to do and enjoy before you get what you wish. If you are not careful, you may miss out uttering the words “I can’t wait ‘til . . .”

Adjustment assignment: Instead of impatience and dissatisfaction, try awareness and gratitude. Ask God to help you, if you can. His help can make all the difference!