Embracing the Journey of Growth

paul meyer
Jun 17, 2024
3 min read

How often do we find ourselves caught in the relentless chase of doing, achieving, and solving? The world around us seems to demand constant action, perpetual motion, and ceaseless productivity. But in our pursuit of these external accomplishments, we often neglect the quiet, internal work of the soul. Today, I want to share a reflection on personal growth, drawn from a powerful story during a retreat, and rooted in the timeless wisdom found in the scriptures.

The Stillness of Waiting

It was during a retreat at St. Meinrad Archabbey that I encountered a moment of profound stillness. One morning, after attending prayers, I wandered to the edge of a tranquil pond. The gentle sigh of the wind over the water invited a sense of calm. I sat on the grass, attempting to be present in the moment, to simply be. However, almost immediately, my inner turmoil surged. The ingrained need to act, to move, to solve overwhelmed me. Frustrated, I got up and began to walk back towards the guest quarters.

As I walked, I noticed a monk sitting beneath a tree, his ski cap pulled over his ears. He sat perfectly still, exuding a sense of peaceful sturdiness. Intrigued by his serene demeanor, I paused to watch him. He embodied the essence of waiting, a picture of tranquil patience.

Later, I sought him out. "I saw you today, sitting beneath the tree—just sitting there so still. How is it that you can wait so patiently in the moment? I can’t seem to get used to the idea of doing nothing," I confessed.

His response was both surprising and enlightening. With a grin, he said, "Well, there’s the problem right there, young lady. You’ve bought into the cultural myth that when you’re waiting you’re doing nothing." Then, placing his hands on my shoulders and looking deeply into my eyes, he continued, "I hope you’ll hear what I’m about to tell you. I hope you’ll hear it down to your toes. When you’re waiting, you’re not doing anything. You’re doing the most important something there is. You’re allowing your soul to grow up. If you can’t be still and wait, you can’t become what God created you to be."

His words resonated deeply within me. I realized that waiting is not a passive state, but an active engagement in the growth of the soul. It is in those moments of stillness that we allow our inner selves to mature and align with God's purpose for our lives.

The Wisdom of Psalms and Isaiah

This encounter brought to mind the timeless wisdom found in the scriptures. Psalms 131 beautifully captures the essence of humble waiting: both now and forevermore.

The imagery of a weaned child with its mother conveys a sense of trust and contentment. It reminds us that true peace comes from surrendering our need to control and trusting in God's timing and wisdom.

Similarly, Isaiah 40:31 offers a powerful promise to those who wait upon the Lord:

They will walk and not grow tired.

This passage emphasizes that waiting on the Lord is not about passivity but about renewal and empowerment. As we wait, we are strengthened and uplifted, able to soar like eagles and endure the journey ahead without growing weary.

Embracing Humility and Patience

In a culture that often glorifies busyness and immediate results, embracing humility and patience can be challenging. However, it is in these virtues that we find true growth and fulfillment. Humility allows us to recognize our limitations and surrender to God's greater plan. Patience teaches us to trust in His timing and to find contentment in the present moment.

As we navigate our daily lives, let us remember that waiting is not a waste of time, but a sacred opportunity for our souls to grow. Let us find solace in the stillness, trusting that God is at work within us, shaping us into the individuals He created us to be.

A Simple Prayer for the Days Ahead