People Watching in God’s Waiting Room

​ PEOPLE WATCHING IN THE WAITING ROOM

We’ve all been there, sitting in waiting rooms. It’s part of life.

On this particular day, I was waiting for blood work and regular tests to ensure that the medications I take to help slow down my diseases are not causing too much damage to other organs.

I didn’t have an appointment and was relegated to the long line of walk-ins. Ugh! How I wished I had planned ahead and made an appointment so the process would be less time-consuming! Not today. I watched as those with appointments quickly got in and exited moments later.

Like almost everyone else in the packed waiting room, I buried myself in my phone, scanning social media, adding a word to an online game, and checking my texts and emails—but I was still waiting.

My impatience grew, but then I remembered the spiritual practice of noticing those around me—appreciating their unique personalities, abilities, skills, and gifts. (I had recently read Chronic Joy‘s Holy Attention – People Watching printable.)

My eyes were drawn to the many cultures represented in the room. I heard whispers in various languages, and I watched the receptionist patiently try to communicate with someone who was struggling to understand her. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO PRAY

I couldn’t help but overhear a man at the front desk. His voice carried across the room as he nervously explained how anxious he was about needles. Even the sight of a needle would put him over the edge. He was told to have a seat while he waited. As you may have guessed, he ended up sitting down beside me. Breathing rapidly and muttering to himself, he was trying to calm down.

Needles don’t bother me, but I understood his anxiety. Put me near an MRI tube and I would be feeling just like this fellow. I prayed for God to give him peace, then wondered whether I should speak to him.

Hesitantly, I did.

“I’m sorry,” I began, affirming that it was hard and reminding him that the staff would help him during his appointment. I suggested he think of one of his favorite places to try to calm down. He thanked me with a shaky smile.

I wish I had offered him Jesus and His Word—and told him how these things have made all the difference for me when I am anxious, but I didn’t. Instead, I prayed silently as he went to have his blood drawn. Twenty minutes later, he exited the clinic. He had done it!.

Looking around again, I noticed those who were impatient with the wait times. The receptionist seemed weary as she faced the never-ending line of people. I smiled at a happy couple expecting a baby, there for tests to make sure all was well. I prayed for each of them.

FROM IMPATIENCE TO GRATITUDE

I was struck by how blessed I am to have access to healthcare. I thanked God for the doctors I would see at appointments later in the week.

My focus shifted as I noticed others and wondered about their stories. What had brought them here? I prayed for every person I saw (every one so loved by God, each with their own set of needs, hurts, and journeys) that God would meet them right where they were at that moment.

When I was finally called, I glanced at the clock and noticed the time had passed quickly. In fact, I would say the time felt purposeful; somehow, my gratitude had grown, rather than my attitude becoming irritable with the wait time.

AN INVITATION

I encourage you to print out Holy Attention – People Watching. Tuck it in your pocket or purse the next time you go to an appointment. See how God can use that waiting room for some holy work – in your life and the life of others.

PRAYER

Father, thank You for times of waiting. Help us to truly notice others, seeing them with Your eyes. Remind us to look around us with curiosity and listen to Your promptings so we may experience our times of waiting with holy attention. In Jesus’ name, amen.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. When was the last time you were prompted to pray for a stranger? How did you feel? What happened?
2. How could Holy Attention refocus your waiting times?
3. How has our attitude changed as you’ve noticed others?