In the human condition, all of us experience waiting at some point. Waiting is an in between state from where we are to where we want to be. Some forms of waiting are pleasurable such as waiting for vacations or weekends. Other forms of waiting, such as, healing journeys are difficult. I remember someone stating, “I can get through anything as long as someone tells me how long it will take me to get through this painful period”. But the stark reality is that when we are in difficult waiting periods in life, there is often no definitive time frame. In such seemingly endless, tumultuous waiting periods, spiritual practices can be helpful.
Digging deeper into the spirituality of waiting, I came across Henri J.M. Nouwen’s (1995) book, The Path of Waiting. Nouwen talks about difficult aspects of waiting: feelings of fear, uncertainty and loss of control. Nouwen describes the active stance of waiting with hope and promise of an encounter with Divine Love. In this age of artificial intelligence, I was struck by Nouwen’s vulnerability in deeply exploring his human side, particularly in experiences of waiting. I was very moved by Nouwen’s discussion of Christ’s passion as His Waiting and being handed over.
Personally, I struggle with the patience required of waiting. The practice of patience in the middle of uncertainty, anxiety and loss of control is no easy feat. I have been utterly shocked and dismayed at how little control I have over certain events in waiting periods of my life. These periods of waiting have taught me humility and recognition of a force greater than me at work in the sequence of events.
Given the universality of waiting periods in our lives, I am very excited to present my interview with Dr. Wendy VanderWal Martin from the Henri Nouwen Society & Legacy Trust in Canada. Wendy beautifully articulates the personhood of Nouwen and his ideas. She is very passionate about concepts in the spirituality of waiting. This interview is very powerful. Hope readers enjoy the interview. Hope that this interview especially empowers readers in waiting periods. Please see link below for the interview.