The Great Wait

So here we are again. We have found ourselves in this place so often it seems. We are waiting. Waiting for our adoption to be finalized in court. If you know and understand the adoption process, you know that this can sometimes be lengthy. Our second miracle came to us in November of last year as an adoption placement. We are so close! Our son is legally eligible for adoption. We are just waiting on one final thing. But here’s the catch..this thing could take up to a year. Even though we have been told over and over again there is nothing to fear, I still find myself paralyzed with fear at times. The thought of this precious boy being taken from us is unbearable to say the least. I have had many sleepless nights, nightmares, and have been down right scared to death at times. Nevertheless, I put all my hope and faith in the one who I know placed this little guy in our arms.

I am no stranger to waiting. If you have read my other blogs or know our story, you know that is pretty much the story of our lives. I suppose many of you are also waiting. Waiting for God to bless you with the spouse you have been praying for. Maybe you’re waiting through the endless fertility treatments to finally hear those two words, “you’re pregnant”. You could be waiting for promotion or for direction. No matter what it is, it’s not easy to be patient. So, I thought I would share a few things that have helped me through the great wait. These things are not new ideas. They are actually very simple. Sometimes its basic principles that are what keep us on course. Here are 4 basic things that help you make it to the finish line in the race called “slow down and wait”.

Know what you want! As crazy and as simple as that sounds, it’s so true. How can you continue to wait for something if you’re not sure what it is your waiting on. For example, if your waiting on that special smoking hot person to come into your life. I would strongly suggest you know EXACTLY what you’re looking/waiting for. Or else you may end up falling for the lazy dirt bag who plays video games all day and doesn’t know the meaning of hard work. It’s really hard to stick it out when the going gets tough if you are not confident in your choices. In my case, this little brown-eyed boy is my son. I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on him. So, I will wait as long as it takes.
Stay connected. This is a biggy! It is so easy to withdraw when you’re waiting. You feel like no one understands. Loneliness during the great wait can consume you if you’re not careful. I have been guilty of this. I learned the hard way that people don’t have to understand to encourage you. There have been many times that lunch with my best friend has been just what I needed. She never tried to give me advice. She just listened. More importantly, she got my mind off myself and onto other things. It is also good to stay connected to a mentor. This person can remind you of your goals, pray with you, pray for you, and keep you motivated. A good mentor is priceless!
Work. Don’t be lazy just because things haven’t worked out for you yet. Get up and do something. I would go crazy if I just sat around pouting all day. And I believe I could justify a good cry. What good is it gonna do to waste the talents and gifts God has given me while I wait on him to bless me? Work on yourself, get involved at church, work on your family, find a charity or cause that you are passionate about and get busy. It helps time pass by and helps keep your mind on something positive. I have poured my heart and soul into other people’s children while I have waited for my own and I do not regret one minute of it.
Prayer/Quiet Time. Trust me when I say this is what is gonna get you through. Pray when you’re angry. Pray when you don’t think you can wait another day. Listen when you don’t have words. Some of my best moments with God have been when I have sat in silence before him. Steps 1-3 are nothing without prayer. How can you know what you want without seeking the God who created you to show you the desires of your heart? Pray that God will show you the people you can connect to while you wait. If the people you are connected to are not “Father Filtered”, they are not gonna take you very far. In fact, they will probably let you down and make matters worse. Pray while you’re working and God will bless the work of your hands.

Hope this encourages those of you who are waiting today. Good luck!