The hardest thing for anyone working with a start-up to do is wait. I am not sure why, and with personal experience still fresh, it is difficult to still one’s soul, stop, and simply wait. This is different than waiting on one workstream while progressing another. The type of waiting I am referring to is a slowing down, getting to the point of stillness, and rediscovering silence kind of wait.
Recently my form of waiting was to close the cover of my notebook, leave my iPad in the office, and head out on the road to destinations unknown. My wife had loaded a destination, but the agreement in advance was that I would not look. My responsibility was to drive, follow the immediate directions, and trust the process!
I rediscovered my joy of the road, small towns, being in the moment. A new mountain spring town was interesting! An ocean farm set the stage for an amazing celebration and dinner. A coffee shop with an Aussie inspired menu which was half vegetarian left me gobsmacked.
As the hours turned into a day and then days, the waiting became easier. I glimpsed the wonder and awe which always comes when one follows the psalmist advice from days long past; “Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope. Hope now; hope always!” (Psalm 131.3)
I emerged from the time of wait energized and aware of how important each moment is. The reminders I noted to myself include the following.
Waiting is best when it is intentional. For me, being intentional expands the act of slowing down to include the follow-through of release. Letting go opens the door to the benefits of waiting, especially in silence.
Successful waiting rarely comes with an on and off transition. Slowing down happens with gradual changes in one’s steps. Letting go is dangerous when one it as speed.
Embracing what waiting can gift us, is essential to recovery and refilling the spirit. One can fail at waiting. When one embraces hope in and through the waiting, one embraces life’s desire to heal and restore.
