Week 252

Positive post Sunday, December 19, 2021- Week 252. 

Are you like me and lack patience for waiting, especially standing in lines or waiting in traffic?  I find it especially challenging this time of year when it “Tis the season” for waiting in lines, being on hold on the phone and sitting in traffic.  All of which CAN increase our stress levels.  Now that I’ve increased your anxiety about all those last-minute holiday tasks you need to get done, let me offer some relief.  

I highly recommend you read Loretta Pehanich’s writing titled, “I can’t wait”.  As Loretta suggests, waiting DOESN’T HAVE TO ruin our holiday spirit or increase our blood pressure!    I found it therapeutic.  Here’s the link: I Can’t Wait

Loretta notes that how we wait is a choice we all make, and unfortunately, I usually choose to wait with impatience and stress.  She really made me think about how I can use my waiting time more effectively and with purpose.  She provides sound examples of how we can replace the anxiety of waiting with calming and thoughtful prayer and kindness.

As an example, how do you use your cell phone when waiting in a line?  Do you write posts on your favorite social media app complaining about waiting or call a friend to complain?  As Loretta suggests, we have a golden opportunity while waiting in lines to use our cell phones to deepen our faith by reading the Bible or searching for prayer apps, like Loyola Press, which is where I found Loretta’s writing.  Another example is replacing those choice words one might use while waiting in traffic with thoughtful prayer or listening to spiritual songs on the radio.  

No promises to my family who know how impatient I am, but I’m working on improving my waiting skills.  Who knows, maybe I’ll make it through a line while shopping or waiting for dinner and actually say something kind to the clerk or waitress!  One thing that I can’t dispute is that how I choose to wait is my choice!  I need to choose better😊

How do you choose to spend your time when waiting, impatiently and with anxiety, or in prayer and reflection?

How can you use your stressful time waiting to deepen your faith by turning stressful thoughts into calming prayers?  The choice is yours.