The Waiting Game

“Claycomb family,” the nurse called. “You can come on back.”

#fromwhereIsit I’d been waiting for this moment for over an hour. These two sentences add to the existing trepidation felt while sitting outside an operating room. I’ve often wondered if nurses and doctors fully grasp the power they have over the emotional responses of their patients, and in this case, their patient’s parent.

Our oldest son underwent a minor surgery today. To a parent, spouse or close friend, no surgery is “minor” when it involves the connection between a scalpel and someone we love. If you read my article, Practicing Patience, you know that patience is a virtue, but not a strength of mine. In fact, every time the waiting room door opened today, I hoped the head poking out would call my name.

Why is waiting so difficult? I believe two causes are at the core.

Cause #1- We aren’t in control. This fact bothers even the most meek. We are growing accustomed to having the world at our fingertips, and now, at the command of our voice. Our computers, phones, televisions, and most recently, our cars are learning our behaviors and adapting to our habits and desires. The immediate world seems to revolve around us and a sense of connection and control releases endorphins, giving us mini-highs throughout each day. When we are forced to wait, our control of time and outcomes dissolves and tension sets in. In my case, I certainly don’t want to be the one holding the scalpel, but I’d be happy to orchestrate my desired outcome.

Best Response- Freely give up control. Picture yourself tandem jumping from an aircraft 10,000 feet above the earth. Would you try to take control of the descent from the master jumper? Of course not! You would feely give up control to the expert so that both of you could enjoy lunch upon landing. I recognize we are all sitting in different waiting rooms right now, but each of us can have confidence in the experts around us. It may be a doctor, lawyer, realtor, accountant, psychologist or pastor. For those who believe in God and His omnipotence, I encourage you to release control to the only one who has ever parted waters and raised the dead to life. He is the expert in every area of life.

Cause #2- Fear of the unknown. Perhaps worse than losing control is lack of knowledge. A decade ago, one popular TV show placed several contestants face to face with their worst fears. By far, the scariest moments were those involving tasting something exotic or entering a darkend environment. Fear of the unknown flavor or dark room had great power. This is the success secret to haunted houses. The unknown inspires fear. In the waiting rooms of life, the unknown is our chief foe.

Best Response- Embrace the known. Unlike my son, I’m not very good at spelling. Some of you have noticed that in my writings. Last week, Ephram was unerved by his lack of proficiency only hours before the test. He was afraid what he didn’t know. His mom asked, “What do you know about all the words on the test? What do they all have in common?” Quickly he exclaimed,”They all have ‘ea’ in the middle!” By focusing on what he knew, the unknown lost its power to cause fear. He learned more about what he didn’t know from what he knew. If you’re waiting right now, consider your current facts. What can you learn about the unknown from embracing the known? Knowledge gives you the power to overcome the fear.

Today, I played the waiting game for only 90 minutes. The outcome- I won the game, and so did our son. I don’t always win the game and neither will you. For you, the game might last days, months or years. These seasons give us opportunity to grow stronger and be more prepared for the next round of waiting.

Question: Are you in a waiting room today? What have you learned from your time in the game? Comment below and help others to grow.

The Waiting Game first appeared on From Where I Sit.