December 6 — Feast of Saint Nicholas
Today's Psalm refrain (Isaiah 30:18d) proclaims, "Blessed are all who wait for the Lord." While Advent invites an expectant hope, so much waiting does not feel blessed or even connected to waiting on the Lord! Ask anyone waiting for a test result, the surgeon to emerge, or the months-away scheduled appointment or surgery, and they will likely say the waiting is hard. Waiting in healthcare is often filled with anxiety.
And yet, in the vulnerability of waiting, surprising things can happen. A friend recently said rather flippantly, "God is found in the waiting room." Her words revealed a truth that waiting has an element of incarnate grace — God with us — and community. Strangers in waiting rooms connect with compassionate care and support for one another. For one awaiting test results, encouraging words and other support are often provided. Within healthcare systems, coworkers and leaders renew their hope in prayer, in service, and in the community of their team. Just like the birth of Jesus broke through to surprise those gathered at the inn, surprises come in the waiting. Today, may we find a grace in waiting.
Julie Jones, CHA Ministry Identity Assessment Reviewer
Pause
Where can you make a connection with someone while you (or they) are waiting?
Pray
God, who is hope, shine Your light in our darkness so that we may continue to build Your kingdom. Let us be reflections of Your brilliance, always working to make Your goodness known. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.