Learning How to Wait

Tony and I began our quest for parenthood a while ago (see this post for a summary) and have spent a lot of time waiting. Waiting to see specialists. Waiting for papers to be processed. Waiting for class times and social worker appointments. And of course waiting to bring Oliver home.

I am not very good at waiting. 

We have now passed the 13 month mark. We haven't seen much progress regarding families bringing their children home from Korea so far this year, and it seems that our wait might be longer than we had initially hoped.

As I said, I'm not very good at waiting. Some days are especially tough, but I manage better now than I used to. I've learned coping skills, I sometimes have increased patience, and my very patient husband has helped keep me balanced. I have often felt God's hand guiding me, reminding me that all things happen in His time and for His glory. God has a way of teaching us in all things, doesn't He?

While I get back to obsessively checking our agency's Korea News page for an update on what might be happening, here are the lyrics to a song that I've found particularly encouraging. If you've seen the movie Fireproof, this is the theme song. It's also played on christian music stations regularly. The writer/singer didn't write this song about waiting to adopt (or about improving your marriage, the topic of Fireproof), but it really hits home. 

While I'm Waiting by John Waller

I'm waiting 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

And I am hopeful 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

Though it is painful 

But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 

Taking every step in obedience 

While I'm waiting 

I will serve You 

While I'm waiting 

I will worship 

While I'm waiting 

I will not faint 

I'll be running the race 

Even while I wait 

I'm waiting 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

And I am peaceful 

I'm waiting on You, Lord 

Though it's not easy 

But faithfully, I will wait 

Yes, I will wait 

I will serve You while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting 

I will serve You while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting 

I will serve you while I'm waiting 

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

You can also see a video of the song here.

I think we are all waiting for something -- a break in the chaos of daily life, a long vacation, a tough situation to work itself out, or maybe something far bigger. Waiting isn't easy. Waiting doesn't always "pay off" in the way we hope. But we all have to do it...maybe the above song will encourage you a bit as you wait.