​Hurry Up and Wait

I first encountered the phrase, “hurry up and wait” twelve years ago when our family visited friends in Indonesia. Getting ten of us – four adults and six kids – out the door to the airport required many, “let’s go, let’s go” urgings. We’d pile bodies and luggage in the van and race off to our next flight.

Invariably, the plane wasn’t there. Apparently departure times were a whimsical hope, not a scheduled expectation. So, we waited.

This past couple of weeks have reminded me of Indonesia travels.

A call for proposals demands immediate attention. Write the material. Proof read. Submit. Wait for the outcome. Purchase gifts, wrap, and anticipate the giving. Buy a ticket to Manitoba at the 11th hour of WestJet’s sale and count sleeps before seeing my parents for a quick weekend visit.

Push hard to finish all the changes on my new book. Order the proof. Edit again. Asks fresh eyes to read the hard copy. Submit changes and wait, hopeful the book will arrive before Christmas.

It won’t.

At least not according the shipping promises. If all goes as planned, But Pain Crept In should be available for purchase December 26th. Yes, the day after Christmas.

I have mixed feelings.

The self-imposed deadline certainly provided the final prodding I needed to complete this project. It seemed a reasonable, even attainable goal, and done feels great. The hurry up is over.

And now, more waiting.

I’ve had some practice cultivating patience so that part isn’t too uncomfortable. And living with open hands, leaving the outcome up to God, is a familiar theme I’m often reminded to practice. So what’s the niggling inner mix?

It seems there’s a little competitive spirit lurking within that can’t let go of the, “just maybe it will arrive ahead of schedule!” Of course my rational side counters quickly with, “Seriously? You think a parcel will show up early in December?” The optimist and realist continue to battle it out.

And I’m reminded that it’s really a small deal in the scope of life. And that it’s really not my book anyway. It’s God’s story and it will be told in His timing. So, I’ll expend my energies on other matters in mean time.

But… if it does land on my doorstep prior to the 26th, you’ll be the first to know. :)

With love and gratitude,
Shelaine