The Wise Can Wait

Ten bridesmaids offer some valuable lessons about waiting.

Many forms of waiting go along with pastoral ministry. There is waiting in an empty hospital room for a patient to be wheeled back in after X-rays. Waiting for an idea to emerge — some would call it the inspiration of the Spirit — at that critical moment when a sermon is coming together. There is therapeutic waiting at the heart of a counseling session when the counselee understands what must be said, but is still mustering the courage to say it. As difficult as it is, the pastor needs to wait silently for the counselee to string together those critically important words.

 

Pre-Wedding Jitters

Waiting is also required in those final moments before a wedding ceremony begins. There are many types of marriages today — from vows exchanged barefoot in the park to a full Martha Stewart special with all the bells and whistles. In that latter type of ceremony, pastoral waiting traditionally takes place in the company of the groom and best man. The task before the...