Waiting

I'm a big fan of showing up early to Reconciliation.

It really gets you a good place in line. :)

Beyond that, however, there is great humility in waiting.

I think that is why is annoys us so. Waiting in traffic. Waiting in the doctor's office. Waiting in line at the DMV. There are not many things that cause us as much teeth gritting angst as waiting on others. When we wait, we must surrender control. We acknowledge that they have something that we need, and we have little choice but to wait to receive it. This cuts right to the bone of pride and our illusions of self sufficiency.

In showing up early to Reconciliation, I wait in the Court for an audience with my King.

I always enjoyed the scene in A Man For All Seasons when St. Thomas comes out of the meeting with Cardinal Wolsey and there was a hall of people lined up to speak with him. Knowing full well that they most likely would not get the opportunity, they had prepared notes of requests and pleas to slip to him as he passed by. They were satisfied to wait hours for a brief encounter with the great man to have the opportunity to plead their case for justice or for mercy.

I think of this as I wait for Reconciliation. I am waiting in the grand Court of Heaven. A poor man bringing my plea before the King. I am pleased to have just a moment of his time to beg for mercy and for aid. And I marvel at his generosity, taking the time to look down with mercy on such an unfaithful servant.

In this season of waiting, there will be many opportunities to wait. Use them to give glory to God. For in waiting for others we learn humility and self sacrifice... and those are gifts that can be brought to the feet of the King.

P.S.: Thanks to the Curt Jester for the cool Advent wreath!