How many of us like to wait? Whether it’s waiting on a table to open up at a restaurant or waiting for a change to take place in our circumstances – no one likes to wait. It’s the same way with longing. That aching, arching attendance to what is often unnamed within us is uncomfortable at best, and downright unbearable at its worst.
But deep within both waiting and longing is the kernel of a promise: it will be worth it. The object of my desire actually exists. Granted, sometimes our expectations are off base, as good as they may seem. If my expectation is that the meal I’m about to enjoy with a loved one is going to be filled with perfectly delicious food, served with impeccable attendance, accompanied by deep and meaningful conversation and result in a feeling of complete satisfaction – I’m probably going to be disappointed. Something is not going to live up to those expectations. But the truth is, we were made for that kind of experience, and we will have it one day.
This time of year is probably the greatest opportunity for misplaced expectations and a sense of being let down. The very essence of Christmas is rife with “visions of sugarplums” or some other such vision dancing in our heads. What is your vision for Christmas this year? What are you longing for?
Here’s the thing. It isn’t that we need to try to stifle our expectations or longing for the season to be everything we would hope for. We just need to take some time to pay attention to the longing underneath the surface desires, and to connect to the promise that lies within the longing. Isn’t it true that what we long for is much deeper than giving the perfect gift, attending (or hosting) the perfect gathering, or living out scenes from our favorite Hallmark Christmas movie?
Advent is all about longing and yearning and waiting. I recently re-read a quote that I failed to note the source: “Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.” Why? Because the promise that we count on as we wait grows our faith. As human beings, we are hard-wired to long for what we had prior to the fall, and we will seek it on some level throughout our lifetime. Faith is what keeps us strong between the now and the not yet.
Henri Nouwen said “In patient waiting…what seems a hindrance becomes a way; what seems an obstacle becomes a door; what seems a misfit becomes a cornerstone.”
What hindrances, obstacles, or misfits are present in your life at the moment? If you open your heart to the Spirit’s voice, what is He showing you is underneath your longings? Where have you experienced something that seemed like a hindrance become a pathway to something better?
Hebrews 6:9-12 inspires me in this way: I am convinced of better things that are part of my salvation! I must wait patiently in hope, so that I won’t give up! Instead, I will imitate Christ and others before me, who leaned entirely on God, and are waiting now to inherit the promises.
Sit back with your favorite Christmas beverage and listen to this song by Jamie Grace about waiting.