I work in an ER where we’re known for our waiting rooms.
I don’t want to brag, but when I’m working in the ER, nobody ever waits.
I’m that good. Or at least I tell myself that.
Regardless, as I reflect over the kinds of people who wait, I’ve come to the conclusion that
there are 3 kinds of people in every waiting room:
#1 Those that are waiting to be seen
This group of people are desperate to be heard. They want to be seen. In fact, come to think of it, they may not even have a problem. They just want to be seen, noticed, talked to, called out of the crowd. It’s all about me, me, me. Can you pick me to do the big job? Can you pick me to save the world? Can you pick me to stand up on that platform?
My friend Christine Caine said this recently: “Most of you sacrifice your destiny on the altar of a position you want because you won’t accept the place God wants you in. If you embrace your place, God will promote you.”
If you’re in a place of waiting but long to be “seen”, stop and consider whether it’s time for you to simply enjoy the waiting room until God chooses to promote you.
#2 Those that are waiting to get their answer
No matter how long this group waits, the only thing they are interested in hearing is what they want to hear. As long as you tell them they are correct, and agree with their diagnosis, they’ll leave happy and may even ignore the waiting time. But if you dare give them an answer they don’t like, well don’t even consider that an option!
I can’t tell you how often I’ve ended up in the pit of disappointment because in my narrow minded waiting room, I’ve convinced myself that I know the answer and won’t be happy unless I get that very answer. If this group describes you, perhaps it’s time to lay down your solutions and embrace God’s. It’s freeing to walk in the truth.
#3 Those that are waiting to see the doctor
This is clearly my favorite group. Their main concern in the waiting room is to get face time with the doctor. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to finally see the doctor, this group knows the goal, and they understand that time with the doctor is worth every minute of waiting. They eagerly listen to what the doctor will say and they have already committed to do whatever the doctor tells them to do.
There is nothing quite like spending a few moments with people who long to be with the doctor. In those few moments together, this group of people literally beams.
I don’t think I need to spell it out for you. There are 3 kinds of people in the waiting. Which group best describes you?
#3 as our family waits to hear my mother’s results sometime today.
#3 all the time. Even sometimes don’t like what we heard, but do as what we’re told.
Asking myself the same question
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this post. I, at this time last year, was in the Waiting To Be Seen group. I had prayed so hard and was so convinced that God had put it into my heart to apply for a certain position teaching preschool. God was gracious to me <3 My prayer was answered and the position was offered. I , after discussing the offer with my husband, felt it necessary to turn the offer down. I was heartbroken and was so unhappy where I was. God again in His Grace showed me that where I was working was actually Him preparing me for my next step. I saw the quote from Christine and that was actually what I did. Accepted where I was as part of God's plan for me. I am still in the position where I was but now see it with ACCEPTANCE !!!! I am now in the FACETIME group !! Praise God!! Just wanted to tell you how much your words meant to me this morning!! Keep walking with God Lina !! All my love
love your story annette!
#3 as I wait for results from lab work done last week.
As a nurse, I love the waiting room references. Right now I would be in group 1. I have been looking for a job since last April. I have times when I get discouraged because it seems like I am not valued or good enough even if I have the experience for the job. I have recently started to think maybe God has me where I am meant to be. I am stubborn so sometimes I take awhile to catch on to God’s guidance(: I just have to remember that He is in control and only wants the best for me.
I’m a #3 who got over being #1! (Well, not being #1…oh, you know what I mean!)