Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: PATIENT (11/25/21)
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TITLE: The Waiting Song | Previous Challenge Entry
By Laurie Bahlke
12/01/21 -
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My little song does not seem to impress my two-year-old granddaughter, so I try again. “I like waiting, I like waiting, it’s good to do, it’s good to do. I’m really, really, proud. I’m really, really, proud. I’m proud of you, yes I am.”
This time Evie’s response is, “No grandma, I don’t like waiting,” and she folds her arms into her chest tightly. I laugh out loud and kiss her forehead, her blonde hair brushing my lips as I breathe the smell of her in, letting it fill me with joy and memory.
“You might not like it but sometimes, everybody has to wait, even you Evie, and you will be okay.” Her hazel eyes stare back at me, and I can tell she still isn’t impressed with my response, but she sits quietly, her little hands now folded in her lap. She is waiting.
Waiting is difficult for children and, adults. Sometimes a child will cry or even throw a tantrum. Of course, adults find it difficult to wait too. In our desire to accomplish what is on our list, to meet goals, or to have the things we have always wanted provided immediately, we act out. Sometimes we act out just a little, with a few gruff words said under our breath or we show our discomfort of waiting in bigger ways like giving people the silent treatment or kicking the copy machine.
It is late November, and my husband says to Evie, “Guess what grandma and grandpa are going to do?” “Buy me presents,” she says raising both hands into the air in a fit of glee. Then she adds, “I just love presents,” as she brings her hands together, folded and up to her chest. She then runs off, twirling in small, unsteady circles.
This sums up waiting and what we learn by being patient, doesn’t it? At first, waiting is hard and can result in feeling unsteady with disappointment or anger as we wish that we could change outcomes or move timelines to our own liking. God asks for us to be patient however and if we can wait, the answers we seek reveal themselves, the solution arrives, and we are dancing in joy once more.
Long ago, God promised his people a Savior and they waited on Him. He arrived when God ordained it and was both a present and an almighty presence in one small child. As Christmas approaches and we wait on answers to our prayers, healing for our souls, and yes, even gifts, we can be certain that God will answer. If we are patient, God reveals and responds.
Last year, I was mourning the death of my mom especially on Christmas Eve, her birthday. I questioned God why He did not prepare me for her death? Why didn’t I get a chance to tell her everything in my heart? I yearned for a quick response. As we sent up love lanterns into the sky that night, the questions filled me to the point of great sadness.
A year has gone by, and in that time, I have reflected and, I have let go bit by bit. I have laid her ashes to rest and rejoice in the memories that remain. I understand now that God requires me to be patient in all things because within me there is a space, where healing has taken up residence and rooted in. I can support and counsel others in a way that I could not before and when I say to them, be patient in your grief, it will ease and you will smile again,” I know that they can see in my face and feel in my touch, that it is true.
Bexley, who is six, asks me if we will send up the lights to great-grandma in heaven again? I tell her “Yes, we will on Christmas Eve.” She responds, “I can’t wait.”
“I know sweet pea, waiting is hard.”
“Yeah,” she says. “I can’t wait to see great grandma in heaven.”
I hug Bexley close and smooth her hair. “Me either,” I say, and I begin to hum the waiting song.
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My mom just passed away this year and I miss her very much and your granddaughter gave some very great advice. I can't wait to see her in heaven.
My mom just passed away this year and I miss her very much and your granddaughter gave some very great advice. I can't wait to see her in heaven.
Oh, what a splendid piece of work! It flows gently. It is very touching. It epitomizes baby talk and evokes that maternal love that transcends biology. Well-done!