on waiting

Ben and I were talking yesterday about where we are in our lives. We are decidedly in-between. Transition. Not a season unto itself. Not really where we were, but not really where we're about to be.

It's a strange feeling. Especially because we, like most, prefer to feel settled in, rooted in an understanding of our surroundings and our place, peacefully present.

The other night, I made twice as much dinner to freeze it for Carlye and Steve when the time comes for our niece-on-the-way to finally make her long-awaited debut. And I thought about Carlye waiting on Baby Girl. And then I thought about Leslie who has been waiting for her house to sell, so her family can start fresh in the great state of Tennessee. She could not be more ready for it, and I could not be more hopeful for her.

And now, today, it looks very promising that our niece will be arriving by nighttime. And Leslie's house just sold. So, at this point, when the waiting is finally over, it starts to take on a significance that can be much more appreciated in hindsight. Now, we remember that waiting prepares you. And it deepens a longing that makes you truly appreciate the final arrival at What's Next.

So, we wonder what might be next for us: a new place? a family? a new job? We don't know yet what it will be, but we will wait for it to take shape and try very hard to appreciate the in-between. To savor the waiting for what it later gleans.