In the Interim

I’m in an unexpected phase of life.

Again.

Sidebar: What the hell is up with that? I am not a spontaneous sort of person. I think spontaneity is great. Scheduled. People tease me when I say that, but really, I love to say, “It’s Saturday. Let’s just see what happens. But on Sunday we have plans so…”  So these unexpected phases that knock the wind out of me and capsize the whole boat-full of plans and dreams I had are really a bitch. End Sidebar.

I went to the prayer room  and one of the women praying for me felt led to say that I need to be at peace in the waiting. She had no idea what was going on with me so her words were startling and perfect.

So I have been focusing on that because it is not something I do well. And I know I am not alone or there would not be so much thought given on how to handle waiting. The study of lines, waiting rooms, the anxiety of not-knowing, and patience is, to say the least, robust.

And I came up with the idea of Interim.

I am in an Interim Period of life.

At work when you have an Interim boss or staff, there is an understanding that some decisions might be temporary when the permanent person comes on board.  There is a way of tolerating– even embracing– the interim because it’s widely known it will not last forever and we’re doing the best we  can– in the interim. And when the interim boss makes a decision you know to be crappy poorly thought out? Well, you just wait them out. He’s just the interim guy anyway. And when you know a new boss is coming in who might disrupt everything? You enjoy the breathing space you have now– in the Interim.

There is even interim housing for when people are uprooted and need some time to find their bearings- and new neighborhood. A place for them to land and be out of the weather and figure out what comes next.

The key thing about “Interim” is knowing it will be over at some point. I believe it will all work out. Eventually. It’s this in-between time that is tough. So that’s the part I have to work on. The trigger is over. The resolution isn’t here yet. I know it will be here, it’s the waiting time that is hardest.

Or could be.

But as I feel myself get keyed up and begin to stammer and sputter with “What? When? How?” I remember, it will all work itself out in the end. It always has. It will. I need to do my part and let God do his.

So I am claiming this as my Interim.

It’s just a word.

But somehow, using it in these circumstances makes me feel clever.

However, most importantly- crucially- I feel patient.

Patient. Me.

In a prayer this morning, I even said “Thank you for all the provision in this interim period.” I said THANK YOU! And I meant it!

I feel peaceful.

For now.

In the Interim.

 

Do you have any techniques you use to cope with the unexpected?