Benefits of "The Wait"

As the time turned on my phone from 4:59am to 5:00am, I felt a bunch of fur roaming across my forehead. Of course it was Bella (my cat) waking me up with a burst of energy because she was in the mood to play. Even though I was not very happy about it, I wasn't too upset because I barely slept through the night. I had been thinking and praying on an idea that I can't seem to get clarity on. It has been weighing on my heart for months. I had been questioning God on what benefit is there for me to wait and be obedient for the things that I desired and prayed for. And I'm pretty sure some of you, whether you pray or not have felt this same way about a: job, relationship, marriage, new home, attending school, etc.

The waiting game for me just seemed so unappealing after awhile. But Oh, how God seems to give you a message at the right time. I began to scroll through my YouTube page and came across a channel called, The Same Room, where they interviewed Sarah Jakes Roberts and Essence Atkins on the topic, "Is there worth in the Waiting?" Mind you, it is now 6:30 am and I could not go back to sleep. As I watched the episode, I was able to connect to these women and understand some of their perspectives on their waiting season. It was all too real!

For those who don't know, a "waiting season" is a time in your life where you are trying to be patient for something that your heart desires but have not received it yet. For some, this looks like manifesting. For others it can happen in other ways. For those of us who are Christian, we are taught and reminded of the many countless people in the bible who encountered a waiting season where they waited for things that were important to them. You may also know people who are not Christian who are in their current "waiting season" or previously were in it. As you have read or watched these people during their season and may have eventually received the desires of their heart, they displayed a little bit of hope and also displayed the powerful skill of patience during this time. No matter what it was for, they mastered it. I wish I did!

Waiting is not a skill I have mastered in my life. As I have reached the tender age of 28, I would have thought I had learned how to be more patient for the things I want in life...turns out , I am the complete opposite. As I remember speaking on the topic about not rushing through life, often the unanswered question pops up for me and probably other people during this time: "Is there a benefit in waiting?"

HERE'S THE ANSWER: THERE IS A BENEFIT! As I sat back, I realized what I gained from my "waiting season" and I wanted to share it with you in hopes that it may give some insight and keep you in the fight so you won't give up and make a rushing decision. There are 4 benefits...and they are:

1. Acknowledge/Aware of Your Flaws:

The actress, Essence Atkins, made a great point in the interview of this video abut how when you are in a "waiting season" there is character development happening, and that is when God will be closing some doors in order for the development to take place. For me, this was relative to dating. I honestly could not talk to anyone or start going on dates because it was time for me to look in the mirror and recognize my character flaws and figure out ways to fix them so I wouldn't hurt another person and/or myself. Being aware of my negative ways was hurtful and embarrassing, but it was necessary to come to terms with it during this season.

2. Healing Takes Place:

When doors are closed and you are forced to face the hurt and pain you carry, you make a decision to put in work to heal. This can happen in many ways by: journaling, going to therapy, praying, exercising, stating loving affirmations to yourself and others, self care, and more. Releasing the pain that folks caused on you and the pain you caused on yourself is essential. On top of that, there is built up anger and distrust for people and it begins to pour over into new relationships which isn't healthy. It is necessary to heal from all of that. As you begin to let go, your heart feels whole and filled with energy and love you have not had in awhile. I am experiencing this right now in my "waiting season" and it has really changed my life. I love the woman that I am and also who I am becoming. Healing was what I needed all along!

3. Brings You Closer to God:

For those who are of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faith, waiting on God ultimately brings you closer to Him. This mainly happens through prayer, fasting and building trust. For me, this has been a major turning point in my faith. I have heard from God in ways I never heard from Him in my early twenties, and now I realize how desperately I need to hear from Him during this time and other times as well. For others who are not religious, this may bring you closer to your family, friends, and/or learning to trust yourself more. It brings you closer to your inner being and realizing how great you really are.

AND FINALLY...

4. Receive Unexplainable Peace/Joy:

After healing and acknowledgment happens there is unexplainable peace that comes over you. You begin to look at life through a different lens. During this "waiting season" you also have a new found confidence in yourself and it puts a smile on your face and everyone will recognize it. This peace I am enjoying every chance that I get and I hope one day, if you are going through this process, you will get to enjoy it too. For it is necessary for the soul and the heart. And certain things that mattered once, don't mater anymore. I get to share my joy with others and connect with them in ways I would not have before. I choose not to shrink my joy and peace but instead allow it shine through my actions and display more love to the people that I have in my life. Oh what a Joy it has been to bless others during this time!

It is never a curse to be in a "waiting season", but more so a blessing. Having the opportunity to work on yourself and become better is what most pretend to do, but very few actually achieve. This "waiting season" is for you and no matter how long you are in it, know that the glow up will show in more ways than one; that the season was needed in its due time. I'm still in this season now, but the changes and the healing that has occurred has outweighed anything I've ever been through before. Embrace this season if you are in it, for it will forever change your life. like it has changed my life!

With Love

-Chevy :)