Waiting

I read recently that it could be argued that life is more about the time we spend waiting for something to happen than it is about something happening. Right now we are on the brink of some major life changes so I found that perspective very interesting and challenging. Big events in our lives are often preceded by days and nights spent dreaming, planning, organizing and simply waiting. The time in between the big events in our lives constitute the majority of our lives. If you think about the “in-between times” they are anything but uneventful. Still, we spend so much of that time thinking about a better time to come or worse yet, a trying time on the horizon. We may feel impatient for the upcoming event or we may dread it. Either way, much energy is focused on the future. I don’t think that we should live in the moment entirely. We should be responsible and plan ahead. However, we should live more fully in the moment. We don’t really know what will happen tomorrow. Besides, what I have today is a day full of opportunity. What is my purpose for today? My heart must be open to embrace others. My spirit must be ready for the challenges of the day. What do I spend my mental energy on during the “uneventful” times in life? In times of reflection, I can explore my mental, spiritual and emotional readiness for big life events. But, in the moment to moment, hour to hour trek of my day, how can I live life to the fullest? Something IS happening in my life each day. Life is happening. I believe the answer is simple but extremely challenging. What has my focus? Do my children dictate my mood? Does my husband regulate the peace I have? Does the TV or computer allow me to escape my life? What HAS me? The challenge is in what we are devoted to and what controls us. These Bible verses jump out to me in my quest to search through this topic.
John 1:16
From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.