Faith | When your path is tough and takes a long time, ‘win the wait’

Leo Tolstoy once penned, “Patience is waiting. Not passively waiting. That is laziness. But to keep going when the going is hard and slow — that is patience.”

Whether it’s hours at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or months — and even years — waiting for outcomes, answers, or results, waiting is a constant that makes up the backdrop of our life stories.

I recently came across a social media post referencing a mantra used by Diljeet Taylor, Brigham Young University Women’s cross-country coach, with her team during the pandemic. Like most athletes during this time, her team could not compete and excel in the sport they had dedicated much of their lives to.

Instead of simply waiting, and with no idea how long it would take for the world to return to normal, Taylor wisely counseled her team to “win the wait.”

While the opportunity to compete was taken away, the opportunity to continue working and training were not. Her team doubled down and focused on all they could do, and once restrictions were lifted, they went on to win a National Championship.

They won the wait.

I’ve reflected on how I might apply this principle to my life and realized that in some experiences, I have indeed “won the wait.” One particular experience happened last year when I found a lump in my breast.

The discovery came at a very busy and important time of our lives as our two oldest sons simultaneously prepared to launch from our home. With no control over the availability of doctors and scans — and so many new and exciting experiences looming for my boys — I chose to “win the wait.”

I prayed for strength and peace, and the ability to give my full attention to my children when they needed me.

I discovered a great capacity to put my own worries and fears aside, and “win the wait” by asking for that capacity from my loving Father in heaven. He answered my prayers and blessed me with peace in my heart so that I could choose to enjoy the milestone moments with my family.

Awaiting those doctors’ appointments was terrifying. But the wait was made more beautiful by filling the waiting space with service to my family and neighbors.

None of them knew the burden I carried, but being able to focus outward somehow made my personal burden feel lighter. Months later, the scans were done and revealed good news!

I’m so grateful I hadn’t missed out on irreplaceable family moments by being preoccupied with stress and worry during the waiting.

I am reminded of the comforting promise written by Isaiah, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) I felt the reality of that promise as I waited on the Lord. There have been other times in my life when I have not waited as faithfully or patiently, and the burden indeed felt heavier to bear.

Might we all consider how to “win the wait” of the trials in our lives that have yet to provide resolution or answers. As Tolstoy said, that is the epitome of patience.

I know the Lord will support us through the challenging waiting spaces of our lives when we turn to him for the strength to cheerfully do so.