For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Yesterday we talked about God’s time — kairos. When the time is right, we are in kairos.
Problem with kairos is we are not in control of many of the major events in our life, and in between the “right time” and the next special moment is a lot of waiting. Some of our biggest moments: when we are born, when we fall in love, when we are sick, and yes even when we die are out of our control to a major extent.
There is a right time for every matter under heaven, but what do we do in between those times? I came across the phrase “the holy work of waiting.” It describes that period of time where we gain acceptance of what is to happen or be. Whether it be walk with a cane, accept a criticism, accept a truth, or forgive a friend.
This time of waiting allows us to gain clarity, motivation, a measure of acceptance, and the ability to forgive. I was interviewed yesterday for an NPR program and asked about my time on sabbatical. I wish I had the quickness to describe it as a period in my life where I was engaged in the holy work of waiting. During those two years I gained acceptance, clarity, became motivated, and learned to accept the circumstances.
You may feel like you are in a lull, a funk, or a rut. You may feel frustrated at work, in your spiritual life, in your marriage, or your relationship with friends or family. We are all there from time to time. May I suggest you look at this as an opportunity. Consider it a time to engage in the holy work of waiting whatever that might mean — “there is a season” for the holy work of waiting.
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