The Waiting Place

I spent a good deal of time sitting around airports in the last week. In fact, I think it is possible that I spent more time waiting in the airport than I did at my actual final destination! As we Daily Fast Fuel gals reflect on how we manage the “delays” of life, I am struck by a crazy observation.

While I often rail against the pain of waiting in many areas of my life, I actually revel at the luxury of waiting in an airport. (Truth.)

There is something so wonderful about being contentedly confident that you will eventually get to where you are headed, but that, in this moment, you are allowed to just sit…and be. You may not run any errands. You may not clean the house. You may not run around like a chicken with your head cut off.

Instead, in an airport, a delay equates to a few more moments of freedom to oneself. (Introvert! Guilty as charged.) I look forward to times when I am told to just sit tight, keep reading my book, or grab another cup of coffee. I’m happy to!

It is interesting to me that I do not see the rest of my “waiting places” with such longing. When I waited nearly a year for my condo to sell, I was not happy to do so. When I waited for my son to be born (nearly two weeks late and 17 hours of labor), I was not happy to do so. When I waited eight days to hear results from my husband’s biopsy, I was not happy to do so.

I find it interesting to reflect that while each of these delays could be considered an inconvenience, I actually welcome the one in the airport. Any day.

Why?

Two Reasons.

I have full confidence that I will make it to my promised destination.

I see the time as an opportunity to enjoy the place where I’m at.

Confidence.

Opportunity.

Two words that have the power to transform a delay into a delight.