While You Were Waiting
Last week I found myself waiting: at the post office, at the library, for Danny at a restaurant, for everyone to gather for prayer room on Wednesday night. We're all put in situations every day that we have to practice patience, and I don't remember praying for patience!
So what can we do to make good use of our time while we're waiting patiently?
1. Read the literature around you. This is an especially great idea if you're waiting in the doctor's office, but also works at restaurants and in the car. Just try to keep from reading what's around you while you're waiting in line at the checkout counter: there's too much there you don't need to read.
2. Make a list. Jot down some ideas for dinner, a surprise gift for your husband or those book titles you've been wanting to read.
3. Write a note. If it's going to be a few minutes before you get in to see the doctor or you're early for church, write a quick note of encouragement for a loved one. Always carry a little stationery in your bag for just such an occasion.
4. Power up your brain. Do a crossword puzzle or a Sudoku. You can keep your mind active and still be aware of what's going on around you.
5. Memorize Scripture. Carry a small Bible or memory verse book with you when you're out and about. Focus on your favorite passages or learn a whole section like the Proverbs 31 woman. (Check out my post from Wednesday, June 9, for an example.)
6. Sit back and people-watch. This can be one of the most fascinating ways to pass the time. You can learn a lot about strangers just by watching their everyday behavior. It may also convict your own heart about some of the things you do and say.
7. Witness. If you've got tracts in your pocketbook, offer one to someone else who has to wait, too. Be prepared if someone asks you about your memory verse book. Ask the person behind you if they have a church home, then offer yours. If you're desperately shy, be on the lookout for places to leave tracts and pamphlets about your church. We have no idea who might pick one up - God can work through the tiniest of efforts.
So what can we do to make good use of our time while we're waiting patiently?
1. Read the literature around you. This is an especially great idea if you're waiting in the doctor's office, but also works at restaurants and in the car. Just try to keep from reading what's around you while you're waiting in line at the checkout counter: there's too much there you don't need to read.
2. Make a list. Jot down some ideas for dinner, a surprise gift for your husband or those book titles you've been wanting to read.
3. Write a note. If it's going to be a few minutes before you get in to see the doctor or you're early for church, write a quick note of encouragement for a loved one. Always carry a little stationery in your bag for just such an occasion.
4. Power up your brain. Do a crossword puzzle or a Sudoku. You can keep your mind active and still be aware of what's going on around you.
5. Memorize Scripture. Carry a small Bible or memory verse book with you when you're out and about. Focus on your favorite passages or learn a whole section like the Proverbs 31 woman. (Check out my post from Wednesday, June 9, for an example.)
6. Sit back and people-watch. This can be one of the most fascinating ways to pass the time. You can learn a lot about strangers just by watching their everyday behavior. It may also convict your own heart about some of the things you do and say.
7. Witness. If you've got tracts in your pocketbook, offer one to someone else who has to wait, too. Be prepared if someone asks you about your memory verse book. Ask the person behind you if they have a church home, then offer yours. If you're desperately shy, be on the lookout for places to leave tracts and pamphlets about your church. We have no idea who might pick one up - God can work through the tiniest of efforts.
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