Do I Have to Wait?

Elizabeth Estrada reflects on why waiting can bring us closer to God during Advent.

Here we are again, a few weeks into a new liturgical year. A new year means getting our hearts ready for Jesus during Advent. 

Over the years I have collected a variety of Advent books; some I have used, and others are waiting in the pile. 

Healing After a Difficult Year 

This calendar year has been a hard one. Yes, God is good and has blessed me with His mercy, love, and grace. The hard part for me has been the new and old wounds in my heart.  

Healing has been something I have been working on for many years. I always thought there would come a point where I could say, “I did it: I’m all healed now!” I am ready to live my life to the fullest. 

However, I have learned from books and counselors that it’s lifelong work, because I will always encounter hurt somewhere.  

The scars will always be there, and triggers will come and go during different times of year. The reality of it all is that waiting is hard, no matter what we are waiting for in life. 

Waiting Is Hard 

In a world where everything is at our fingertips, I think I am worse at waiting than I have ever been. 

I have been thinking about waiting and realized that waiting isn’t always bad. it’s crazy, I know. I waited nine months to welcome my son into the world.  

When I began counting down the days to go to Europe many years ago, it was exciting to pack and plan all the places I would visit. 

Finding Ways to Savor Advent 

So, this year I have been trying to savor Advent in that same happy anticipation. 

I found the perfect Advent book that focuses on waiting and taking the time to rest in the Lord. 

Sometimes I think I am trying to check off everything on my list, including Advent. I don’t savor the time I spend with the Lord. 

I have even turned down some Christmas parties to really focus on Advent. Knowing my personality, I would probably be stressing out about all the arrangements I have to make to attend the party during the work week.  

Instead, I am going to do the things I always do and come home and be with the Lord and maybe listen to an Advent playlist as I spend my time with Him. 

I invite you to think about how you can really make this last week of Advent about waiting in anticipation for the One Who sacrificed it all for us. 

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Copyright 2025 Elizabeth Estrada
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