Waiting Patiently

Written by Karen Thomas on Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Patient waiting is not something that came easily to me as a child.   I snooped around for my Christmas presents, asked the annoying “are we there yet?”, and prayed as I waited to not be picked last for playground games.

As I transitioned into adulthood I slowly discovered that periods of waiting offered me a chance to savor the present while preparing for an exciting opportunity.   Finishing assignments and packing bags as I awaited ASB trips rooted me in my life as a student who had the privilege of sharing my spring break with new communities.  Ten minutes of downtime between a busy work day and meeting a friend for dinner evoked gratitude for the gifts of work and friendship.  The months of pregnancy prior to the birth of my children deepened my love for my husband and acclimated me to the physical sacrifices of parenthood.

As I prepare for Lent this year, I consider what the Lord is inviting me to and how he is asking me to live out my faith. I wonder how my time of preparation might help me to more fully savor the joy of Easter.   Lately, I have been meditating on these words from Psalm 40:

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.  He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.  He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”  -Psalm 40: 1-3

In preparing for Lent, let us not forget that the Lord patiently waits to hear our voice and to hear our prayers.  As our relationship grows with Jesus this Lent, may we trust that he will make our steps secure and that our lives will be an instrument to sing his praises.

Questions for Reflection:
How can I grow in my trust of the Lord this Lent?  What prayers or practices might deepen my trust in Him?
Where and how is God asking me to share my song of praise this Lent?  Who in my life needs to hear about the goodness of the Lord?

I invite you to listen to and watch this version of “40” by U2:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB4kxMj0-IE]

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Karen Thomas
Karen is a native of Southeast Michigan and a graduate of the University of Michigan.  Prior to her work at SMSP, she served and worked with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, completed an MA in Pastoral Ministry at Marygrove College in Detroit, and was trained in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd method of religious education.  She serves as the Campus Minister for Family Faith Formation and lives in Ann Arbor with her husband Mike and two daughters.  

Email: kbthomas@umich.edu