Dearest L__,
Recently, I had a friend ask if I has solved any of the world's crises yet. Apparently, I am one to do something. While flattered by the thought, the more I think on it, the less I am convinced of its accuracy. If I were one to "do something", wouldn't I have already done it by now? Or at least made some good headway in the general direction? Now, I know you might argue that, if nothing else, I've moved to Haiti, and moving to Haiti might be considered "doing something". More likely you wouldn't, because even though it Sounds like it's something, we both know that location does not equal accomplishment.
Abraham had to leave his extended family and travel off into unknown lands to father a nation, but George Bailey stayed home and changed the makeup of his small town.
Granted, one is history we often mistake as story, and the other is a well-known Christmas movie, but there's space for both to be valid in this big-little ol' world.
My point being, it's not about being in a particular place, but being particular about the place you are in. Right? Apparently I am still hung up on the idea of Waiting, so please be patient as I take the looongest possible time to process this...
Dr. Seuss's well-known "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" speaks of "The Waiting Place"
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a but to come, or a place to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the now to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
Everyone is just waiting.
I think often I confuse the Waiting Place with the Waiting Place. The first is the one Dr. Seuss speaks of, or what they call The Doldrums. It's remaining in one place, but it's stagnate. A period of inactivity and little improvement.
As opposed to The Waiting Place, where one is called to remain, rejuvenate, to increase. This waiting place reminds me more of a seed than anything. That time between the planting and the push through the earth and into the sun. Nothing is happening, the ground is silent, but underneath there is a slow gathering of resources, of strengthening. I am glad seeds don't have a consciousness - well, I saw Fern Gully, I really Hope they don't have consciousness - because I cannot imagine how frustrating that would be, laying there beneath the cool soil, knowing you were meant for daylight, whatever daylight is.
What would that be like? To feel resources beginning to pool within you, but not knowing for sure if they are ever going to be put to use. Do you move before you are ready, pushing up before you have the nutrients you need, afraid to stay still any longer? Or do you give up, assume there is nothing above and nothing more and remain dormant, telling yourself the move wouldn't cost so much and you'll be brought to the surface when it's time?
Actually, I think I Can imagine it, I am experiencing it right now. And of course it's not just me, there are so many courses and books and seminars and pep-talks about achieving one's fullest potential and finding the color of your parachute and using your strengths and developing effective strategies for life. And I cannot begin to imagine the number of front porch talks that have been had about this subject. Life mimics nature and we are all asked to bloom where we are planted. I think one of the hardest parts about it is how easy it is to confuse the Waiting Place with the Waiting Place. And how often we have to remind ourselves to not just wait, but to wait Well. Or it is for me anyway.
One of these days I will tell you about the happenings of Haiti, because that's probably what you want to hear about anyway. Until then, please pray I will keep the difference between waiting and Waiting before me, and I won't get caught waiting while I could be Waiting.
Much love and affection,
R___
Recently, I had a friend ask if I has solved any of the world's crises yet. Apparently, I am one to do something. While flattered by the thought, the more I think on it, the less I am convinced of its accuracy. If I were one to "do something", wouldn't I have already done it by now? Or at least made some good headway in the general direction? Now, I know you might argue that, if nothing else, I've moved to Haiti, and moving to Haiti might be considered "doing something". More likely you wouldn't, because even though it Sounds like it's something, we both know that location does not equal accomplishment.
Abraham had to leave his extended family and travel off into unknown lands to father a nation, but George Bailey stayed home and changed the makeup of his small town.
Granted, one is history we often mistake as story, and the other is a well-known Christmas movie, but there's space for both to be valid in this big-little ol' world.
My point being, it's not about being in a particular place, but being particular about the place you are in. Right? Apparently I am still hung up on the idea of Waiting, so please be patient as I take the looongest possible time to process this...
Dr. Seuss's well-known "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" speaks of "The Waiting Place"
...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a but to come, or a place to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the now to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
Everyone is just waiting.
I think often I confuse the Waiting Place with the Waiting Place. The first is the one Dr. Seuss speaks of, or what they call The Doldrums. It's remaining in one place, but it's stagnate. A period of inactivity and little improvement.
As opposed to The Waiting Place, where one is called to remain, rejuvenate, to increase. This waiting place reminds me more of a seed than anything. That time between the planting and the push through the earth and into the sun. Nothing is happening, the ground is silent, but underneath there is a slow gathering of resources, of strengthening. I am glad seeds don't have a consciousness - well, I saw Fern Gully, I really Hope they don't have consciousness - because I cannot imagine how frustrating that would be, laying there beneath the cool soil, knowing you were meant for daylight, whatever daylight is.
What would that be like? To feel resources beginning to pool within you, but not knowing for sure if they are ever going to be put to use. Do you move before you are ready, pushing up before you have the nutrients you need, afraid to stay still any longer? Or do you give up, assume there is nothing above and nothing more and remain dormant, telling yourself the move wouldn't cost so much and you'll be brought to the surface when it's time?
Actually, I think I Can imagine it, I am experiencing it right now. And of course it's not just me, there are so many courses and books and seminars and pep-talks about achieving one's fullest potential and finding the color of your parachute and using your strengths and developing effective strategies for life. And I cannot begin to imagine the number of front porch talks that have been had about this subject. Life mimics nature and we are all asked to bloom where we are planted. I think one of the hardest parts about it is how easy it is to confuse the Waiting Place with the Waiting Place. And how often we have to remind ourselves to not just wait, but to wait Well. Or it is for me anyway.
One of these days I will tell you about the happenings of Haiti, because that's probably what you want to hear about anyway. Until then, please pray I will keep the difference between waiting and Waiting before me, and I won't get caught waiting while I could be Waiting.
Much love and affection,
R___
