Waiting and watching

I've been doing alot of waiting lately. One of my loved ones had major surgery several weeks ago. I lingered in the waiting room during surgery... I have waited for her "call" from the shower when she is ready for my assistance... I have waited when I have been driving her to post operative appointments...

Waiting doesn't need to be tedious... With a bit of ingenuity waiting time can be meaningful and even productive. While waiting I can gather thoughts, do some isometric exercises, do small chores, create something, pray, dream, vision.

There's something liberating in the appreciation of "waiting time". Poised to attend to my loved ones needs at any moment, I was still given time, sometimes significant time, to accomplish things that would have slipped by undone if I was in charge of my own time...involved in my own plans.

Although my loved one may not be able to reciprocate "in kind" at this time, her love and transparent gratitude meets my heart and stimulates new energy and creativity that actually encourages my willingness to "wait" during the next "waiting time."

It makes me think of some of the things Jesus taught about those who wait and watch for the approach of the Lord....

Luke 12:35-38
Jesus said to his disciples, "Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves."

I wonder what goes on amongst the ones who are waiting for the master to return from the wedding banquet? I suppose the activity varies as much as the people and their degree of ethic. Some may be catching up upon chores, some may be doing something like playing cards or working puzzles... I suppose some may be telling stories or flirting with each other. Others may be sitting patiently looking at the door... and some may be catching a cat nap.

Bottom line... the waiters or watchers have the freedom to choose a myriad of possible activities.... but they are to do whatever they do while they maintain alertness for the approach of the Lord of their heart. They are to be poised to step into action ...

And yet, wonder of wonder, happy surprise, The waiting and watching will be met by the one who lavishes us with Love and meets our every need!

That is worth waiting for....that is worth watching for.