Max Lucado, an American author, has a knack, for putting life into perspective through his riveting books, and, if you haven’t heard of him, I strongly urge you to explore his works. One such book, that offers a unique viewpoint, is You’ll Get Thru This. In this book, Lucado uses a simple setting – a doctor’s waiting room – as a metaphor for life. He portrays the waiting room, as a place filled with people, each with their own issues and battles, yet, all waiting for the same thing – the doctor. Nobody tries to fix anyone else’s problems; nobody asks for the medical tools and equipment, because they are all there, simply waiting for the doctor to see them.
Likewise, in Lucado’s view, life is our own waiting room. Each one of us is here for a reason, waiting for our turn. Whether we are waiting for a promotion, a breakthrough, God, Jesus, healing, the universe, reconciliation, divine timing, for enough money to pay rent, or, for our favorite team to win the Super Bowl, we are all in a waiting queue.
And it’s during this wait, that some of us, including myself – especially me – feel the urge to fix other people’s issues. But, why? The truth is, I don’t possess the power to mend others’ ailments, traumas, sorrows, or dysfunctions. At most, I can offer kindness, compassion, and can lift them up in prayer. Just like in the doctor’s waiting room, everyone has their own battles to fight, their own journeys to walk. It’s not for us to fix each other, but rather, to support one another, as we all wait our turn.
Waiting, oh boy, ain’t that a thrill, though? In this era of “I want it now!” and “Impatience is my middle name,” a simple 30-minute wait for an oil change can feel like an eternity. Come on, people, we’re living in the age of instant everything! We click a button, and voila! Our package arrives, two days later, like magic. Then, if we have to wait longer, than expected, we melt into toddlers, unable to control our emotions, and post about it, on a variety of social platforms – which perpetuates the “I want it now” coaster.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often find ourselves hurried, impatient, and constantly on the move. This unending cycle of activity can be draining, leaving little room for us, to stop and reflect. However, in the midst of this chaos, there are moments, when we are forced to pause, to wait, and, it is in these moments, that we are gifted something precious – time. A waiting room, or waiting period, often seen as a frustrating inconvenience, can actually be a blessing in disguise, a sanctuary, a haven, a window of calm, away from the relentless pace of life. Whether we find ourselves in a doctor’s office, at the airport, or, even in a restaurant, waiting provides us, with the opportunity to introspect, to unwind, or even engage in meditation. For some, it might be a chance, to catch a cat nap.
It provides us with a chance to breathe, to contemplate, to perfect our imperfections. It is during these periods, that we come to appreciate, the priceless gift of time, a luxury many are not fortunate enough to have. Time, often taken for granted, is fleeting, ephemeral, and can be cruelly snatched away. It is a witness, we are still alive, that we are not knocking on death’s door.
Remember, waiting is good. Use this time wisely. After all, not everyone is fortunate enough, to have this precious commodity. Revere it, make the most of it, and, when you find yourself in a waiting room – be appreciative.
MK
BORNWAPS 