Waiting in Anticipation

Welcome to the September post of the Journey through 2013 blog along. The purpose for this series is to explore an area of life in a purposeful manner. I'm so thankful that Mathnerd is willing to join in the fun!

I've been putting off writing this post for several reasons that are all really lame. Initially, when I set up the list of things to blog about during the year, I decided to revisit last years mini-series on waiting that didn't go anywhere. I had grand ideas for a thoughtful, creatively clever series of posts on being a 30-something single female looking for love and marriage. But then I realized that I am incredibly boring 30-something female who is looking for love and marriage. No online dating horror stories. Not because I wasn't trying them but because nothing materialized. I guess the online dating horror story is the money I wasted trying the site. No crazy mishaps of one-night stands because that isn't my scene.

My story is no different from many young single devoted Catholic women praying for a spouse. Fun times hanging out with friends and pursing hobbies while developing a devotional life of prayer and contemplation. Praying for God's wisdom and discernment in friendships while following God's plan instead of what the world says is okay and expects. Waiting is more than keeping technically pure but being pure in thoughts and deeds.

Recently I've been contemplating how waiting is active rather than the passive activity that it seems upon first glance. It is more than sitting in the DMV, twiddling your thumbs hoping your number comes up soon. It can be a pocket of unexpected free time to read a book, pray, change something, wash a dish (or two or three), clean up a small mess or part of a big mess. The cool thing with waiting is that often our desires and expectations change with time. Over the years, I can see how my plans have changed because I've been forced to wait. I also can see how I am a better person for the waiting as it has taught me patience and the beauty of God's timing. Every now and again, I see a glimpse of what I could have been if my life had occurred differently and I am thankful.

I'm starting to see how God is changing me to become a better version of myself. Exciting things are emerging that are teaching me to be honest with myself and others. Some days I'm sitting on the edge of my seat looking forward to the adventure ahead. And other days I try to hide under the covers. And that is the anticipation that builds during the process of waiting.

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Journey into Catholicism

Jan - Epiphany
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Ordinary Time
September  - Waiting in Anticipation
October - A Year's Reflection
November - Advent Preparation
December - Christmas