Recently, I've had the opportunity to chat with friends about a "waiting room" season in life; a time when you've left your previous situation but not quite found yourself in your new reality. Whether it be a job transfer, a change in cities or a change in stage of life there may be a period of time when you're sitting... in a holding pattern... a waiting room of life.
As a woman I don't handle the "waiting room" idea all that passionately. I need to be going, doing, moving. I mean... you can't honestly expect me to sit still? This day in age, we're moving faster than ever, never stopping, pulling all nighters and never turning off our cell phones just in case someone needs us. If you're not moving up the ladder, building that new addition, adding new Instagram followers or getting more likes on Facebook then you're not being productive, right? This is what the world has taught us. We've learned that if we're not moving faster, doing more or becoming more then we're quite frankly, failing.
My current waiting room in life has taught me that this mindset is all wrong. There's nothing against better(ing) yourself by reading a good book or listening to a podcast but you can't let yourself believe that if you aren't constantly working towards the next best thing that you're not "good enough." I have been in my waiting room for a few months now; waiting, listening for what God has next for me. No... I haven't been very patient but quite frustrated and angry at times. I'm ready for what's next.. at least I think I am.
Casey and I renovated a house last year that took us a bit longer than expected and with paper work has taken longer. For us, our 2014 was all about "the house" and it took just about all of our time and energy last year. Looking back, I love that house and the people that bought it from us so all the time and energy were more than worth it and I would do it again tomorrow. However after spending an entire season on that house, where do we go from here? What's next for us? As we wrapped up our 2014 we knew we wanted God at the center of 2015 but unfortunately God didn't email us our itinerary immediately.
Yet, in the midst of my seemingly "barren" season I have seen God work through my life even in the midst of my frustrations. He has brought such amazing people into my life and challenged me in ways I wouldn't have pushed myself on my own. Its been in the quiet times that I have learned, cried, prayed and for some of the first times honestly listened for God's instruction. So while I may not look or feel productive I know that this "waiting room" has brought growth and renewal. Pastor Steven once said "A season of blessing will be preceded by a season that seems barren." So as I sit in my "barren" season, sometimes impatiently waiting for whats next, I will draw closer to Him and believe that He has far greater plans for me and our family than what I see in this waiting room.
Practical Ways to Draw Closer to God
1. Get in His Word
Even if it's just a 5 minute devotional on the way out the door. Download the YouVersion Bible App and start a plan. If you can, try getting out of bed 10-30 minutes earlier and spending time in your Bible. You'd be surprised how He will meet you there and speak to you throughout your day.
2. Listen to Worship Music
This is a favorite of ours in the Smith household. We are known to blare worship music in our home, in our car and in our headsets. I love playing Pandora worship stations while getting ready in the morning; it sets a tone for my entire day. I also love turning it on when I am upset or angry about something; it helps to reset my mind and think more practically.
3. Listen to a Podcast
There are all sorts of resources now from different types of churches and Pastors. Some of my favorites are Elevation Church, Pastor James MacDonald, Craig Groschel, Christine Caine and Proverbs 31 Ministries.
4. Join a Bible Study or Small Group
Something special happens when you surround yourself with people that support and encourage you in your walk with God. You can find small groups in your local church or even online. Proverbs 31 Ministries offers online Bible Studies.
5. Pray Pray Pray
This isn't easy for me. I'll admit that prayer has been a practice that I have to keep practicing but it has been most rewarding. There have been times when I have had to crawl to my bedside, drenched in tears and begin my prayer with "God I don't want to talk to you now but I know I need to." Sometimes we have to go to Him when we don't feel like it and find His peace in our pain.
6. Attend Church
Make your church attendance a priority
7. Get Involved
Volunteer locally and/or in your church. Casey and I love our volunteer team; they have become family to us and we walk with them through life.
8. Give
Begin a habit of tithing to your local church and give to other organizations. Volunteer with your time and give financially.
Changing my focus to these simple acts of obedience while I am in this waiting season has helped me see that I am not barren nor unproductive but I am opening up for God to work through and in me; preparing me for the seasons to come.