How are you doing on your Resolutions? I had a good one last year I want to share with you. I resolved to wait more. Not to have more patience, but to plan on waiting…to make it a goal.
I have trouble waiting. While waiting, I think of other things I could be doing, what is next on my to- do list, and worries about how long I will be and have been waiting.
So last year I decided to wait. Not to be distracted with alternative realities where I didn’t wait, or past regrets of waiting, or future worries of waiting yet to be. This year, when I remembered my resolution while I was waiting…I thought, “I’m doing my New Year’s Resolution!” and was pleased at accomplishing that goal!
As I waited this year, I remained where I was, mentally, noticing the places and people around me, enjoying the moment and the details missed when we rush by on time and on task. You see…I wasn’t wasting time…I was fulfilling one of my resolutions!
Being where I am instead of where I want to be, helps me be aware of others. Recently, I was waiting for a tow truck to move from in front of my driveway. Pre-resolution I would be worried about the time slipping by, the inconsideration of the driver who parked there…on and on. But my decision that it was okay, even good, to wait this year, freed me from fretting and I was able to get out of my car and help push my neighbor’s car so the tow truck could grab it. Accepting the place where I was, instead of where I thought I should be, allowed me to be a present help instead of a frustrated angry commuter.
The Psalmist knew about waiting…
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. - Psalm 37:7-9 (NIV)
Wishing you a fret-free New Year!
(sent as this week's Extra Christy.)
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