anticipatory silence…

I have been catching a fair bit of America’s got Talent lately as I wind down my day and await the night-time news. I am struck by their use of anticipatory silence.

As they wait to announce who is advancing and who is going home, there are moments of very long silence. In that silence, I want to say, “enough already, just give us the word.” There is a sense of anxiety that builds in the waiting…

I began to think about where in my life I have experienced anticipatory silence and waiting….

I have experienced this silence when I have taken a risk in conversation with someone I care about…

I have experienced this silence at times when I am in conflict and the silence feels deafening….

I have experienced this silence as I await the news of a new niece or nephew (it is good to realize the waiting is not always for bad outcomes)

I have experienced this silence and waiting when I have asked God to grant me the desires of my heart….

I have learned to live in the silence. I wish I could say it is a comfortable place, but the anticipation that builds in the waiting often robs me of a sense of peace or joy…

I want to be better at waiting…

I want to be better at trusting God in the silence….

I want to be someone who, because of my journey, can sit with another in the silence and the waiting!