Confession #205: I’m a challenged WAIT-er. And you?
Naima Lett | Blog | Wednesday November 30 2011Confession #205: I’m a challenged wait-er | Naima Lett
CONFESSION: I’m a challenged wait-er.
Not waiter, as in restaurant; but wait-er, as in wait-ing for things to materialize.
Growing up, I probably could’ve inherited more of my father’s natural bent towards patience.
Instead, I followed mostly in mom’s need-this-done-now! stilettos.
Impatience makes no sense in our industry where we seemingly W-A-I-T on everything.
In one week, I had to wait to hear back on my 3-episode arc audition for a top-rated cable show. I waited for word from several publishers who expressed interest in my new book. I waited for feedback on financing for the new film we’re producing.
On set, we hurry up… and wait.
In our cars, especially in the LaLa, great music, audio books and language recordings are a must, because we’re going to wait.
In my daily walk as a follower of Christ, I pray, read my bible, do everything in my ability to get things done; then I wait. Sometimes (I hate to admit) with an at-ti-tude.
But wouldn’t you know, I was reading the scriptures and ran up on the fruit of the Spirit again, and “patience” was parading around the list next to love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22). Yes. Patience was right there, grandstanding, waiting on me to acknowledge her.
I just had to sit there for a moment and meditate on that.
Had my own little Selah.
Patience is obviously important. GOD included it on the list.
So, “Why am I so impatient?” I wondered.
“I’m a doer; therefore, I do!” I answered.
But that’s not altogether accurate.
I’m not impatient all the time.
THE TRUTH is I have selective impatience.
For example, when I have to make a purchase, ANY purchase, I will wait for the sales price I want, and be willing to walk away if the price is not right.
My husband prefers for us to shop separately because, according to him, I “have a specific idea in mind and will wait to find it – six stores later!”
Speaking of husband, I waited. I wasn’t camped out guys’ cribs like Black Friday. I was busy living and doing what I was born to do.
When it’s worth it to me, I am the BEST wait-er in the world.
Which leads to the question, “What makes the difference?”
When does waiting seem impossible?
Confessing is hard, yes?! But here we go:
Waiting feels impossible when I am waiting on others. Isn’t that just wrong?!
When it comes to what I want, I have the patience of Job. But “Lord, help me!” when I have to wait on somebody else! What kind of double standard is that? I really need to work on it. I know.
I know.
Can you relate?
How’s your wait-ing these days?
This has been quite a discovery for me. Hopefully one that leads to change. I’ll actively put forth an effort to align my life with the fruit of the Spirit, including patience.
And if I start teetering off the forbearance path from time to time, please bear with me. I’ll recalibrate in a minute.
Please have a little patience. :=)
Naima Lett
Naima loves bringing stories to life, believes everyone should find a reason to dance daily, and savors every bite of her grandmother's bread pudding & sweet potato pie.____________
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Thank you for this Daily Bread. In reading this, Ecclesiastes came to mind. A time for being a “do-er” and a time for being patient! So there’s a time for both. I just pray for God to give me the wisdom to know which is the time for which virtue!
Thanks, Makeda! You are so right. There is a time for both. I tend to lean more on the “do” side; but I’m learning patience. So wonderful to hear from you.
Naima – really enjoyed reading your post! I am so glad things are going well for you since you have left Dallas. I too have this problem as a recovering Type A. Glad to hear I am not the only one. I often just try to give it over to God and say it is your timing and not mine. It always is. But, I will admit this is not as easy as it sounds. I have it in my mind but allowing it to live in my heart takes alot more discipline. If you find the cure or the magic pill – do pass it on:)
Mary! So wonderful to hear from you, Lady. I like your site. Go forth! I do miss the Big D fam, but loving the LaLa. Thanks for your comments. I hear you. So sorry there won’t be any cures or magic pills. I’m afraid I’ll learn how to wait by, well, being put in situations that require patience. Bummer, right?! LOL! Best to you, Lady. So happy that you are well. Do it!
I’m working on that patience myself. Thank you for putting into great perspective.
Thank YOU, Baleeia, for sharing. This is a journey, yes?! Much love to the Garden State fam.
That was a wonderful entry, Naima! I’m feeling the agitation of having to wait for Mr. Right. Thanks for encouraging us in our struggle to be patient.
Thanks Michelle. Great to hear from you. When we meet the person whom we choose to love daily (and vice versa), we get to work on “waiting” more than ever! Relationships provide an incredible opportunity to practice patience. It’s beautiful and challenging; and we grow. Congrats on all your hard work on your degree. Go forth!