Our generation is not about the wait. Many would say, why wait? Instant gratification is everywhere – with food, technology, even relationships.

As customers, we want to be served faster, quicker, now.

People who take their time in certain situations are seen as slackers or less motivated than others.

And when it comes down to it, it seems that speed is even written into the world’s framework, with the seasons sprinting by – a fact brought all too easily to my attention as I’m (already) enjoying the beautiful fall weather during my lunch breaks.

And so I’m left to wonder, what’s the essence of waiting?

For myself, so many things in the world interest me, and I get quite antsy being in the same place for awhile – whether mentally or physically. Sometimes, I find myself wanting to learn so much in so little time because I want to advance to a next stage that I’ll find more interesting that the whole ordeal becomes overwhelming (example: learning Spanish). But in this time of my life, I’m learning what it means to enjoy, yet still apply myself, within periods of waiting. I’m realising that it’s okay to just… be. It’s okay to rest and be stationary (while still advancing spiritually, mentally, emotionally…) for seasons of time. I know there will be periods of life where I’ll be go-go-going, and I will reflect on these times where I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy a bit of pause. I have to tell myself, “Enjoy now! Enjoy now right now.” It’s hard to do that for my own well-being when I went to a university where everyone pushes you to plan schedules, activities, summer internships, job interviews, travel plans, lunch meetings, workouts, and basically life ahead of time (and of course, there’s a certain place for that skill in life) – it was part of that culture, and rightfully so. But there’s true peace and clarity in taking the word in Psalms 27:14 (NLT) to heart where it says, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”

God’s timing isn’t always speedy like I’ve been conditioned to expect from the world. I’ve wondered for years why the brave-and-courageous phrase is smack in the middle of the encouragement to be patient. Now I think it’s because that’s exactly what it takes to be patient. In this day and age, it’s natural to be on to the next thing before I’ve barely begun something else. But it’s supernatural to be patient, to wait for the Lord’s timing, to understand that waiting is not a waste of my time but rather a time for personal growth and understanding myself better in Christ so that when I do need to start advancing swiftly in whatever situation I encounter, I’ll be ready to take on whatever comes without stumbling through it.

It’s a beautifully surprising note to know that when things seem akin to sloth-like stalling to the world, it’s actually a blessing from the Lord:

Wait.

And in waiting, rest and learn.

Also, happy Nigerian Independence Day!