Waiting. And Waiting. And Waiting. Many days are spent napping, playing with Porsche, watching the basketball team practice, and hanging out with the official "cancer crew" (aka Kim, Steph, & Hannah). Waiting for results, waiting for the next test, waiting for something to change or perhaps for nothing to change. It is the hardest thing ever.
Why is waiting so hard? Why is it that hours can feel more like days? Perhaps it is because we live in the world of instant. Instant messaging (whether it's with texting, email, a phone call, a Facebook comment, etc) seems to be a way of life. When we are hungry we use a microwave or hit the nearest drive through or whatever store might be on the nearest corner that holds our favorite treat. When we want to watch or listen to something we order it and have instantly delivered to our computer, phone, or other electronic device. When we want an answer, we have Google, Bing or a variety of other 30 second searches. But when we are waiting for the body, it feels more important. It is more important. If you don't like what you get you can't send it back. Our bodies come in a package of one. There is only one that has our undivided attention (especially when something goes wrong). When you are waiting for one tulip to bloom it takes so long. But if you plant 100, there seems to be change everyday in the ground.
Waiting often requires a new understanding of trust in the Lord. And sometimes it simply requires a distraction. When I am waiting I often ponder a favorite hymn:
Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Until tomorrow we continue waiting, waiting, and waiting.
