Have you ever decided not to act because you were waiting for something to happen? Maybe you were waiting on someone to call you or for that check to come in the mail. Â I like to call this wishful waiting. It’s that hopeful time when you have nothing to do but be patient and expect great things. This can end one of two ways. If you are lucky, things will go as you desired and you will rejoice when life goes as you planned. Unfortunately, sometimes the result of wishful waiting ends in disappointment.
This can happen a lot in relationships. You meet someone new. Things get off to a good start, you decide they are the one and you just wait for the stars to align. Sadly, we can’t always get what we want. Â The most important part of wishful waiting is what happens after that waiting period ends. Sometimes we have to give up hope and do something new. Other times we get a clear “no” or some form of opposition to what we were hoping for. Â For a blessed few, they get exactly what their heart desired.
But what about those who don’t get what they dreamed or hoped for? How do you move forward once your hopes have been dashed? When that guy you met doesn’t return your calls? When the dr calls with a negative test result instead of a positive one? What do you do when the plans fall through on the financing for your new house or car?
How you respond to these times of disappointment are perfect opportunities for personal growth. Â I’ve been in a period of wishful waiting, for several things and various reasons. I am seeking a part time job. But not just a job, a position that allows me to use my unique gifts and talents. A role that is personally satisfying. I am looking for more than a paycheck, but also a mission. Those are high and lofty wishes when the culture we live in says you must work 40 hours a week to keep and maintain a decent paying job to support your family. Often, people work at jobs they hate just to pay the bills. I am a dreamer. I want more than that for myself. I think we are all worthy of more than that. Â The truth is, the bills still need paid.
Lately I’ve had several instances where my hopes have come crashing down in front of me. I’ve been on the verge of tears as my heart breaks for a dream I realize will go unfulfilled. I have choices to make. I’ve been in this place before. When I must decide if my dreams are worth risking financial security for. My heart says yes, my dreams are worth it. Again, the culture says I’m crazy. The bill collectors mock me.
I will have more decisions to make in the coming days and weeks, but for now I am choosing hope. I know that I have a specific purpose to fulfill. As I wait to see how that will unfold, I know that sometimes periods of wishful waiting require action. Â So, I continue the pursuit for a job, one that pays the bills in hopes that one day I will be able to truly follow my heart and serve in ministry. I don’t know what’s next but I know that if I want to succeed I can’t stand in this pit of disappointment and give up.
If people give up dating they could miss out on the amazing spouse that is awaiting them. If someone chooses not to pursue their dream they will never be able to rejoice when it comes to pass. Â So as I wait, I will remain hopeful. I value my family and serving others. I will pursue positions that allow me to do both. Â I will continue to follow my heart, even if it means continuing to make sacrifices.
What you are you wishfully waiting for? Are there actions you need to take to work towards seeing your dream fulfilled? Have you lost hope? Did you lose the passion for a dream because it was too hard to keep wishfully waiting for it?
I challenge you to think back on what you want, what you value, and what your heart is calling you to do.
I want to challenge you to not give up hope, even when life disappoints you.
Each disappointment is a chance to grow and learn.
What can you learn from your current failure, mistake, or disappointment?
