The Waiting Game

If you are like us, you find it hard to wait. Whether it is in line at the grocery store, sitting in the doctor's office, or just waiting for something to arrive in the mail, waiting can be difficult. Probably unconsciously we all know that our time here on earth is limited. So when it becomes necessary to wait it seems like a real inconvenience. We think we have better things to do with our time than wait.

Next time you are waiting (and you better believe there will be plenty of next times) we invite you to make good use of that time. Here's a way to use your waiting time wisely.

W--wonder about things. Take this otherwise wasted time and wonder about the things in your life that are curious to you. Keep the "kid" in you alive. We love to be around our grandchildren and one of the reasons is that they are in tune with wonder. Their imaginations just soar when it comes to wondering about many things. And they are not hesitant to share these ideas with us. So take a lesson from the young and practice your wondering.

A--ask yourself some hard questions. Maybe your spouse was right when they indicated that you need some improvement. It might have been hard to see this in the throws of a disagreement. Now would be an excellent time to think about their observations. Where do you need to change? What habits should you break? What good things could you be doing in their place? Life gets so busy that sometimes we just need to stop and think. While you are waiting would be a good time to do just that.

I--invent something new. Think about a problem you may have that needs fixing. Think of something new as a solution. There's an old saying that goes like this: Necessity is the mother of invention. Use your waiting time to invent an answer for your problem. It could be a physical, mental, or relational problem. Whatever has you "stumped", this is as good of time as any to come up with a workable solution.

T--thankfulness. Remember to be thankful for all the things in your life, even the problems. They make up who you are as a person. It's easy to be thankful for all the good. But don't forget that our trials and problems are a large part of who we are also. While you are waiting, be grateful that whatever makes you wait is available to you in our country. Some places in the world don't have grocery stores, doctors, or even mail delivery. Be thankful in all things.

So the next time you are waiting remember this little list of things to do:
W--wonder
A--ask hard questions
I--invent
T--thank
Your waiting time will be the better for it.