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!
It is my hope that if you are waiting and the silence seems long, that you will find peace as you wait!
