I can honestly say that I am not good at waiting. Some days it seems like all I do is wait: I wait for the light to turn green, I wait for the coffee pot to finish brewing, and I am notorious for picking the wrong lane to stand in when waiting to check out at the grocery store.
Recently, I experienced an episode of waiting that I know I could not have gotten through if it wasn’t for my faith. As a Master’s Candidate, I need to pass several state examinations in order to become a certified teacher. I took my first exam in late September and had to wait six to eight weeks to get my results. In the day of instant gratification, and a computer generated exam, I really wanted to know how I had done. Immediately! As I mentioned before, I am not very good at waiting.
Every Sunday, we are reminded to call to mind an intention to focus our worship. For those six weeks of waiting, my intention was always for patience, patience, patience. “Dear Lord, help me to wait” was a common prayer. The waiting period was like a test in itself, but the reward (a passing score) would be worth it. Needless to say, I did pass that exam, and I believe that I did not drive my family too crazy with my impatience.
And now we are in the season of waiting, waiting for Christ to be reborn in our lives. I still ask God to give me patience, especially during this stressful season full of shopping, planning dinners, and wrapping presents. I pray for patience, but also to have God open my eyes to the most important thing this season brings: Jesus in my life. I pray that I see Jesus in my work, in my family and friends, and in my own heart.
Denise Riendeau
Recently, I experienced an episode of waiting that I know I could not have gotten through if it wasn’t for my faith. As a Master’s Candidate, I need to pass several state examinations in order to become a certified teacher. I took my first exam in late September and had to wait six to eight weeks to get my results. In the day of instant gratification, and a computer generated exam, I really wanted to know how I had done. Immediately! As I mentioned before, I am not very good at waiting.
Every Sunday, we are reminded to call to mind an intention to focus our worship. For those six weeks of waiting, my intention was always for patience, patience, patience. “Dear Lord, help me to wait” was a common prayer. The waiting period was like a test in itself, but the reward (a passing score) would be worth it. Needless to say, I did pass that exam, and I believe that I did not drive my family too crazy with my impatience.
And now we are in the season of waiting, waiting for Christ to be reborn in our lives. I still ask God to give me patience, especially during this stressful season full of shopping, planning dinners, and wrapping presents. I pray for patience, but also to have God open my eyes to the most important thing this season brings: Jesus in my life. I pray that I see Jesus in my work, in my family and friends, and in my own heart.
Denise Riendeau