the waiting game

The waiting game

A few years ago I was sitting in a religion class when our teacher asked a thought-provoking question... 

By the show of hands, which of you are waiting for something? 

At first the whole room sat a bit confused and awkward. So our teacher kindly clarified he question. Which of you are waiting to go on a mission? A few hands went up. Who's waiting for a missionary? More hands. Who can't wait to graduate? And leave Provo? Hands.  Who just longs to find that special someone? Who here wants to be married? A flood of people's hands shot up this time. (I wouldn't expect anything less at BYU) Babies? Graduation? First real job?  First house? 

Needless to say, by the end of the list, every hand in the room was straight in the air. Truth be told, we are all playing the same game. The waiting game. And sometimes it can be just as frustrating as a long morning at the DMV. (and I'm sure any of you who have been there lately know exactly what I'm talking about. It's a terrible place) The worst part is, in this game there really is not a final buzzer. Promotions, vacations, holidays, potty training, bigger house, nicer things, retirement.... We will always be waiting for something. Always

Waiting can be aggravating. Especiallyyyyy when there seems to be no end in sight. So, the name of the game is finding out how to use this precious time we've been given effectively. 

Our teacher then went on to tell a story about some saints back at the beginning of our church's history. These devoted followers sacrificed a great deal to follow their young, fragile faith. Many had given up their farms, their friends, and their families. Soon after arriving to what they thought would be their new home, Kirtland Ohio, they were informed that Ohio would actually just be a pit-stop. A means to an end. And though they knew they didn't have much time there, they were still commanded to go forward acting as though it would be their Zion. And they did just that. They built schools and houses and planted crops. And in an act of pure devotion, they even constructed a temple as a token of their love for their Lord. In fact, the men donated most of their discretionary time to the project while the women assumed extras household chores to provide food and clothing for the construction team. And they even sacrificed the china dish ware they had carried across the plains in handcarts... The precious keepsakes that reminded them of all they had left behind... which was ground up and used to beautify the house of the Lord. Not only did the glassware make the stucco stronger, but when the sun shone on the temple walls, the whole place glistened. 

These good people only spent about seven years in Kirtland but these years were filled with sweet memories and tender mercies. They had their fair share of challenges, but they also had some incredible experiences and set off for their next journey stronger, happier and more united. 

The beautiful thing about life is that can do the same thing. Knowing that this stage of life won't last forever, we can still put our best foot forward and try to enjoy it while it lasts. Because a waiting period well-spent only prepares us for our next big thing. 

So here I am back in Provo UT. I spend my days cramming. I practically live at the library and my finance books are my best friends. I squeeze in gym time and pack my healthy lunches in brown paper bags. (so school girl, I know) I am growing my Audibles account by the day as i am trying to listen to a new book each week.  I spend my evenings going on a lot of first dates. Did I mention, I am really over the first date thing? But I do all of this just to be sure that I will be prepared for my next big thing. I just want God to know that I am grateful for my time in the waiting game. 

It may be a roller coaster but it is still a beautiful ride.

"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift of God. That is why we call it the present."