I chuckled when I read a comment made by Andy Warhol,
“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting.”
I’ve certainly seen proof of this with our children. If they are in the habit of getting what they want when they want it, there’s no more excitement. They don’t have time to appreciate the value of the gift, think on the benefits of having it, or develop an attitude of gratitude for receiving a gift they might not otherwise have.
Instant self-gratification can lead to ingratitude and indifference, and develop into long term blah and boredom.
Waiting can be healthy. Waiting can be good. It’s not the material thing we receive that matters much in the long run anyway. It’s the spiritual character we develop in the process. We need to make room for the right spiritual qualities to bloom and blossom in thought, so when the gift is received, we genuinely appreciate and value what we’ve been given.
So we don’t have to fear waiting. We can make the most of it by growing spiritually in the meantime. The blessing at the other end of our effort will be bigger.
Amazing! Exactly what I needed to “hear” right now. Seems like I’ve been “waiting” on answers for some time now and am trying so hard to be patient, not fear, and know that God IS taking care of all the details (and his plan will be revealed to me).
Thanks again for your good work!
Good thoughts as the holidays are about us. I have been waiting for the results of overcoming some internal and externial skin problems. I too, need to be patient for Gods healing power to take effect. It is not fear and I need to keep my prayers for others and His Plan will will be revealed.
Bill,
Yes, patience has its perfect work. I also like to take the concept of waiting to the next level of not seeing it as a passage of time, but something happening in the now. Like a waiter waiting on dinner guests. It’s an activity happening in the now. To “wait” on God is to be in His service now. And God blesses that faithful service.