Advent…Waiting for the Unknown

When I do strength training work that involves sets and repetitions of a particular exercise, I like to countdown. So, if I’m doing 10 “let downs,” instead of starting at one and counting each rep, I always begin my count with 10 and countdown. I do so much better if I know exactly how many I have left.

In fact, when I’m doing any kind of waiting, how well I cope is directly related to whether or not I know exactly how long I’ll be waiting. If I know it will only be for a day, a week or even a longer, yet defined time, I rally and do well. If there is no end in sight, I’m ashamed to admit that I tend to handle the waiting with the maturity of a toddler.

When I’m focused on the countdown and the end, it is impossible to experience the present moment. But, more importantly, I don’t always know what I’m waiting for or when exactly it will come. Sometimes, I’m waiting for the unknown.

This advent, I’m praying for patience, for an ability to trust in the one to whom nothing is unknown. And, I’m praying for each one of you who is waiting for an unknown. May the truth of Emmanuel, God WITH us, bring us all the peace that passes all understanding.

How do you cope with waiting for the unknown? Can I pray for you?

P.S. This post is part of an Advent series on waiting. You can find other posts in the series here.