There is Purpose In Your Waiting

Are you in a season of life where you simply don't know what to do? All your choices feel wrong, there are too many options, a plan is nowhere to be seen, and people are telling you it will all be okay, but that's the last thing you feel. I've been there, more times than I can count, and I am here to tell you that there is purpose in our waiting seasons though they are infuriating and confusing.

To tell you a little bit about me, I am a planner. I like to know what I am doing every single day and mentally prepare myself for the week ahead. The problem here is that, this is not realistic. I will not always know what is happening, nor can I control it, and that is something that I struggle with. Going through undergrad I found out I would be graduating a semester early, which wasn't planned, but was a good surprise. However, that set me up for a very long waiting season.

I applied to three different grad programs and waited on their responses, not knowing which one would be my perfect fit. I knew I would have 8 months with no school, so I started looking for jobs - unsuccessfully. I went through a season of waiting where I felt lost and a little numb. I went from having a clear purpose, to not knowing what to do with myself, and that is a transition that no one talks about.

No one tells you how hard the decisions will be or about the heavy burden of trying to figure out your life. All of the unknowns are what make seasons of waiting difficult, but one thing that I reminded myself was that this is not where I would stay.

I got accepted into an EDS in School Psychology program!

I got accepted into an intern program for this summer and accepted into an amazing grad program that I will start this fall. I know that these things were all provided by God, and would not have been possible without my season of waiting. I can now look at the waiting differently as I have something to look forward to, but even future seasons of waiting that will come my way.

I have grown to believe that we are put in seasons of waiting to allow ourselves rest, change, and reflection. We get the choice to respond, whether we choose to wallow in the difficulty or embrace the time of opportunity, it's our choice to act in the waiting. There is purpose in our season of waiting which can look different for everyone, but I encourage you to search for it. What might that purpose be? To slow down, try something new, or to focus on your health. We are right where we are meant to be, and we may not like it, but there will be goodness that comes from it.

Here are a few things that helped me during my recent waiting season:

• Reading and studying my Bible

• Praying

• Getting involved in hobbies (acting class, reading, blogging, etc.)

• Evaluating my friendships

• Creating your own form of structure (bed times, routines, etc.)

• Talking to someone about it

• Affirmations - You will not be stuck here

If you are struggling with a season of waiting whether it be for a job, a relationship, or your health. I encourage you to take some time and find ways to embrace the wait rather than fight it. I know that I am still learning how to be better at this, so we can do it together. If you have any tips on how you cope with waiting seasons, comment down below! Let's encourage each other! Talk to you next week!

Kami