Waiting

On this first Sunday of Advent, I am going to reflect on something that we as a society are not very good at: waiting. In a world of instant gratification it is hard to be patient. I know that I for one am incredibly easily annoyed by having to wait for others when I want to leave or partake in something. Patience is a virtue not easily attained.

In today's world of the internet, fast cars, and text messaging, it is uncommon that we have to wait for anything. Not sure of an answer? Wikipedia it. Out with your friends? No problem, just text google and wait 0.06 seconds for the response. You can't even blink that fast and the answer is already there for you. Between texing, instant messaging and Facebook seeing who's available to chill takes less time than ever. And with newer and safer standards at the internet we can shop for and purchase practically anything and have it on our doorstep within a week ... within 24 hours if strictly necessary.

And buisnesses are begining to cater to our "here and now" mindset. Stores have two to three times more cash regesiters than ever before. Why? Because as a generation waiting in line is no longer an option. It angers us. It frustrates us. So much so, that there's a possibility that we might leave.

But here we are, on the 29th of November, ready to settle down and wait for what we, as Christians, see as most important - the birth of Jesus. Once the chaos of Thanksgiving dies down and we are able to take stock of our lives, we are able to see clearly what it is we want most - hope, joy, peace, love, family. These are not difficult desires for us to formulate. We crave them more than anything else in the world. And yet, we can't just have it. We have to work for it. Plan for it. Prepare for it. and yes, wait for it.

That is the whole point of Advent. To wait for the coming of the Christ child. We cannot just wake up one morning and be ready for Him. We have to prepare our selves - mind, body and spririt - to welcome Him into our lives. We have to think about what we can change in our lives to make it better for everyone. We have to plannout how we intend to use all the peace and joy Jesus
will bring with Him when He is born. And we need to prepare ourselves by making sure we are the best people we can possibly be.

I think I'll start by learning to be more patient.