Learning to Wait Well
The gift unexpected delays
It was a perfect September day in Szczecin, Poland, except we weren’t supposed to be there. Mum and I sat on the platform, soaking in the German and Polish conversations around us. The afternoon sun caught the edge of our bags. If people watching were an Olympic sport, my mum would have medaled with her inviting, curved lips and alert, crinkled blue eyes.
A tired, ashen train arrived, and passengers trickled through the doors.
We heard no announcements and saw no blinking signs before it left. Then five minutes passed, ten and more. Where is our train? It was supposed to be here by now. Unfortunately, the platform’s large clock didn’t match our cryptic tickets in abbreviated Polish. My anxiety about talking to a stranger was overtaken by believing we missed out on all the adventures Berlin had for us. “I better go ask someone, Mum,” I said.
“Excuse me, do you know when the train to Berlin arrives?” I said to a group of young adults. “That train …” My eyes widened as one man continued in his British accent.
We missed the train.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t even the first train we had missed to Berlin. Our last option vanished when our train from Słupsk arrived late in Szczecin. We hurried up and down a flight of stairs to the right platform just in time for our next train to swiftly close its red-white doors and roll away. German train schedules were no joke; a departure 10:12 AM meant 10:12 AM sharp!
Mum caught up with me, breathing hard, and we both sighed. “Let’s go find the train schedule and get some tea,” I said. “Yes, it is time for a tea!” she said and exceeded my enthusiasm with “and how about a treat to share?”
Hours later, we had a new route to Berlin. We didn’t dare sit on a bench but crouched like cats, ready to pounce on the next red-white doors. “Does this train head to Berlin?” I asked a blonde woman with a guitar. “Yes, but you’ll have to change trains a few stops ahead.” We jumped on and didn’t waste another moment.
The train zipped through the German countryside while Mum’s head bobbed as she dozed. I kept alert like a gazelle to watch for our stop, mind our luggage, and notice the eccentricities around us. Where did he get that sticker? Why does she look so glum? Do they know I’m American? I wanted to be unique and yet blend in as a trendy twenty-something European at the same time. Finally, I felt peace knowing we were finally on our way and began praying for the passengers and my weekend ahead with Mum in the German capital.
Our train arrived at Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin Central Station) six hours later than planned. We walked to our hotel and flopped on the crisp bed linens. “How about another cup of tea and dinner?” Mum asked.
At the moment, I wasn’t entirely sure what the long delay in our travel showed me except for a funny story to share, “Remember that time we almost missed three trains to Berlin?” I could imagine the eye roll and laughter from my husband. But now I see how the Lord worked so much deeper through our situation and my heart. Mum and I couldn’t will another train to come earlier. Nor did we get angry and start to fight or blame each other. Instead, we had to choose to trust God would provide a way for us and savor each other’s company. In my mind’s eye, I can still see my mum sitting on the bench, laughing, sharing her thoughts with her silver-white ponytail and a travel cup of tea. She was the treasure; it was about who I was journeying with more than where we were going and when.
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV
Often we have delays, setbacks, and experience discouragement. Although this short story had a good ending and it all transpired within twelve hours, there are principles we need to remember when more significant challenges arise in our lives for how to wait well. First, we get to choose how to respond to setbacks. Getting frustrated would have only stolen energy from me and distracted me from seeing the good before me. I didn’t allow my peace and joy to be anchored to my circumstances on that day.
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14 KJV
Next, we cannot control outcomes. I couldn’t make the first train go faster, nor make the second train wait for us. Mum and I did our best, but it still didn’t bring us to our hoped destination when we thought it should. God had a different time and purpose for our delay, and I get to choose to trust he sees me and is in control. Sometimes we get into situations where we’re at fault, but other times we did our best, and it still didn’t work out. Maybe the seemingly perfect opportunity was before you, but it didn’t happen. Will you let go of your expectations and seek the Lord’s desired outcome?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Third, setbacks are a perfect time to examine our hearts. Are we seeking the Lord’s timing and plan, or rushing ahead with ours, hoping he will bless it? You may not have several hours on a platform in a Polish city to reflect, but take some time this week to get still with the Lord. Share what’s on your heart and ask him to show you what or who you have been missing. Then, repent and be filled with fresh grace and gratitude for exactly where you are today. Can you find humor and delight in the waiting?
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139: 23-24 KJV
Lastly, appreciate the people around you. Can you slow down and enjoy their company in the waiting? Notice who has been journeying on through this season with you. I believe God is more concerned about the relationships we’re building than where we’re going. Reach out to a friend this week who has sat beside you in a season of waiting. Thank them for their companionship, and then ask how you can be a friend to them in their current season of life.
Dear one, I bless you today with wisdom and joy in your season of waiting. Know God is with you, and he invites you to rest and wait well in his presence for your next step. May you not miss what is in front of you today. May the Lord give you fresh joy, and trust he is working out your journey for good.