“We all want experiences that we can be proud of, but what we fail to realize is that the best moments may be happening right now.”
In his newest book, The In-Between, Jeff Goins writes, “Maybe the good stuff isn’t ahead or behind us. Maybe it’s somewhere in-between.”
(Take a few seconds and watch the book trailer – it’s the best I’ve ever seen!)
On Saturday, I will celebrate my 40th birthday. There are moments in every life that seem to demand a pause – for reflection on the past experiences and to envision a future that can be. For me, turning 40 is one of those moments.
Looking back, I’ve done a lot of waiting in my life. More than I ever expected. There have been many delays, detours, and postponements. Looking forward I see more of the same – more waiting. More in-between. And that’s ok, because the in-between is “a place to slow down. Where we learn to be present in an increasingly noisy world. It’s the place where we learn to let go.” And live.
So after 40 years, my only regret is…
…that I haven’t lived more in the moment.
So many things distract us from living life in the moment – success, work, projects, productivity, problem-solving, social media, email, even our dreams. Looking for the next big breakthrough – in our work, in our career, in our finances, with our kids, in relationships.
When will it happen? robs us of what’s happening now.
The neighbors
I used to be one of those people who’d zip in the driveway and lower the garage door while getting out of the truck. In fact, most places I’ve lived, I never even knew the name of our neighbors next-door.
It’s different now. A couple of years ago, our family started doing something that we’d never done before – we started hanging out with our neighbors. Weird, huh?
A few days ago, one of our neighbors asked us to hang out with them on their boat. To be honest, I had a lot of work to do – and I was tired. But I knew I needed to spend time with my wife and our children. And I knew I would be encouraged by spending time with our neighbors. So we did.
For a couple of hours my daughter and I bounced all over the lake in the wake of the boat tightly gripping the handles of a big round tube. (No – there’s no video.) And I laughed more than I have in a long time.
Yes – I got behind on a couple of projects. And, yes – I was sore the next day. But living in the moment was worth it!
Here are 3 things you’ll learn from Jeff’s book…
1. Life is the in-between.
Life is not the series of highs that we dream it to be. It really is an adventure – a journey – of ups and downs between occasional mountaintop experiences.
To live in the moment, you’ll have to slow down. It’s impossible for you to live in the past or in the the future – all you have is now. So you might as well take your time.
2. Make the most of every moment
Wherever you are be all there. Say, No, to restlessness. No, to busyness and worry. No, to shortcuts and regret. Say No, to hurry. And, Yes to today – to right now.
There’s really no good reason to be in such a hurry anyway. Because you can’t get from where you are to where you need to be without traveling the path that you are on.
You have a choice – you can try to shortcut the detours and bypass delays, or you can embrace the growth and experiences that happens in the in-between.
3. Everyone has a story
When I started writing several years ago, I primarily wrote to help me process what I was experiencing – in my work, in me, and at home.
Yes – it’s a mess sometimes. But people aren’t that interested in hearing how great I am. They’re far more likely to relate to my latest slip-up. My experiences matter to others – and they tell me. Every day. My mess has become my message.
I’ve decided – I’m going to live more in the moment. If it’s not fun I’m not doing it!
We don’t get to choose how many days of life we have left, but we can choose how we spend them.
Someone needs to hear your story – to know you don’t always have it all together. To know they’re not alone.
Embrace the wait. Appreciate the delays and postponements. Some things in life are worth waiting for.
Get your free copy
Jeff’s book releases tomorrow, August 1, 2013. It’s one book that you’re going to want to read over and over again. It’s that good!
You can still , and get all kinds of bonuses for free. ($240 worth, to be exact!)
Or you can get it FREE today only! I’m giving away 100 free copies of Jeff’s book to the first 100 people to complete these 3 simple steps TODAY –
- Leave a comment on this post answering the question below.
- Tweet this or Share it on Facebook. Or both!
- Then, complete this form to receive a mailed copy of the book. [Update: Wow! They went fast! All of the free books have been claimed. Remember, you can still pre-order it today, and get $240 worth of all kinds of bonuses.]
Question: So, what have you learned from waiting? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Michael, I so appreciate you looking out for us and using your platform to coach us and this book is only more proof of your desire to serve. Thank you.
Thanks for your kind words Paul – let me know how I can best serve you today.
Thank You For Sharing Michael:)
Thanks Angel – I appreciate you connecting here.
Waiting, for me, has meant the marriage I am now in. Waiting was so hard for me, patience was even harder, but it was so worth it. I would love this book. Jeff is amazing!!
The book is great Jolene! I love your story of waiting and the reward from it!
Refreshing insight into how to view our more “mundane” moments in life. Life is what you make of it. Life is how you view it. Your own eyes determine what you see.
Thanks Jack – I agree!
I’ve learned that things don’t always make sense when they are happening, but often you can look back at a ten year period and see how everything was coming together for a purpose. Great reminder to live in the present and enjoy TODAY. I’ve ordered Jeff’s book – can’t wait to dig in!
That’s great, Tom. Let me know what you think after you read it.
Awesome post Michael and Happy Birthday too!
Wives are good at that, aren’t they?
I guess I missed my chance. Bummer….
You and I both pal!
While I am obviously not getting a free book, I have learned a ton about waiting…usually by my lack of ability to wait.
I’ve learned if I am always looking to the next thing, I never experience anything! It’s hard to be present. But the times I’m happiest are the times I am. Great Post my friend!
Thank you for the kind words and encouragement!
Well thanks for the great information
I have learned that when I wait God honors my patience with His walking alongside me and calming me over what I was initially so anxious about.
Thanks!
Every accomplishment either great or not has a beginning. The ending of it is the finishing line, where your result become visible to the prying eyes of the public. There is the in-between experience – the waiting period. At this stage – the waiting time, is the most important aspect of every venture. it is loaded with experience that teaches the best at the outcome. One gathers the most profound and powerful insight concerning a particular move. I refer it as the desert experience or the in-between story. It is very important in our journey to accomplishment.
Thanks for your great thoughts here!
For me, the waiting is the hardest part. The Start Experiment has me in a creative mood, looking forward to new successes. Thank you for the reminder to be present even in the midst of a future-centric phase. On waiting, and more specifically, patience, I have learned the more I wait peacefully the more I understand those around me…especially my son who needs the gift of extra time to express himself clearly.
Yes – finding peace in change is key.
I am learning that I value the simple things so much more when I have to wait for them God works in my favor…
Very true!
The absolute biggest thing I’ve learned from waiting is that no matter what happens GOD is still Sovereign and always will be. Everything that happens to the Christian is seen by GOD. GOD is always in control of every situation that takes place in my life and only HE can see the beginning,
middle and end.
Thanks for the great reminder!
Waiting causes us to slow down, be attentive to the elusive, and to hear the whisper of God within our hearts. “Be still and know that I am God.” The BEST is yet to come. Don’t settle for anything less.
Agreed!
Mitch, I loved this line too. We all have mess and it’s our message not just to others but to ourselves. It’s important we care for ourselves with our mess.
Excellent post, Mitch.
Everyday we crucify ourselves between 2 thieves….the past and the future. We can learn so much more from the moments of living rather than the regrets or fears of past and future.
I get up each morning with my ears being tugged to pull me out of bed. I am drawn effortlessly through each moment in spite of trying to look ahead or behind.
Sometimes my feet are dipped in moments of humor, other times I am neck deep in a new lesson.
I can choose my own route but the same rainbow highway carries me through the day and for certain at each end is a tremendous sorrow or tremendous joy.
I am led through each day on this glorious path and placed lovingly into sleep at night as a parent would hold a child to gently rock to sleep.
Why fight it?
Enjoy each of these moments, ride the rainbow, and realize your lesson is in the awareness of who and what you are now.
Love your thoughts on this post!
Waiting taught me to be patient and learn to make adjustment.
Same here!
This is a best chance once again for me to learn the art of waiting
I think we all need that lesson!
Most of the time in the waiting is where your greatest learning happens. I guess you could say that the joy in the journey may be greater then the joy of the arrival to your destination.
I agree!
Thanks buddy. Great response today! I’m proud of you and your work.
I’ve learned that waiting pays off. You have to encourage yourself while waiting though. It can be hard to stay encouraged. Especially when everything seems to be going downhill. So I’ve learned to look myself in the mirror and say, “It’s going to be ok. You’re going to make it.” If you wait, you’ll renew your strength. I’m waiting for healing in my body. I know God is able. He’s never left me. And He won’t leave you either.
Thank you for sharing! Great perspective!
I have come up with better solutions by waiting. It allows you to step back and look at challenges from a different perspective.
Agreed!
I am learning that I value things so much more when I have to wait for them. I’m currently working on paying off my debt (Gazelle Intense!) and having to wait until cash is in hand to purchase things is a new concept for me. Also, the time I’m spending with my friends now, I cherish much more because I’ve had to say no to group dinners and such when that cash is running low.
Same here – there is always value in waiting on the right timing.
I’ve learned that there is purpose in waiting (and even in being late), though I may not always become aware of the purpose. I just trust in God and feel much more peace in waiting.
Peace is a good thing!
That life happens weather you live or just pass time it’s going to happen. I have learned that waiting just isn’t worth it I’d rather live, not just pass time
Agreed!
I’ve learned as a parent and through a lot of waiting that I have LITTLE patience. But, you are right, a lot happens in the waiting. Great story and imagery about your tubing. I once went tubing with my granddaughter-WOW! Scary, since I don’t swim and lots of fun, too.
Thanks for sharing!
I think this is my favorite part > My mess has become my message < as a writer, that encourages me to keep on with what I'm doing. To understand the space that I'm in; to be patient in the In Between times; and to trust God's plan – even I can't see it in the moment.
I’ve learned and re-that lesson myself over the years. Keep on writing!
I get excited whenever I travel down memory lane to my first visit to Israel. I couldn’t contain the glee that I would experience what I’d read about since I was a kid.
I would not consider the Mount of Beatitudes to be a mountain per se. For me it was just an ‘advanced hill.’ There was nothing to climb. But real, hard climbing took place at Mount Sinai.
Looking back retrospectively, I now understand why I went to Mount Sinai. It was a good experience. The Sinai experience taught me the absolute necessity of developing staying power in our journeys in life.
Life is a journey. We all are on specific journeys towards particular destinations. These destinations aren’t nondescript. And certainly they aren’t geographical. On the canvass of our hearts are indelible images of a preferable future beautifully painted by the artistic hands of Destiny. With our eyes fixed and our feet in perpetual motion, we stretch ourselves daily as we journey on to achieve these ideals.
On these journeys we experience winding lanes, muddy paths, freezing temperatures, scorching seasons, insensitive people, heartbreak, frills and gloom. Along the way, we go over bumps, ride into potholes, grapple with sweltering summers, run into chilly winters, scale high mountains, and descend steep valleys.
Life is a long, long walk to fulfillment. And pauses are part of the whole deal. Some pauses are momentary. Some pauses are long and elastic. It is during this ‘momentary disruption’ – these pauses – that growth happens.
I have been there. While it’s not always easy, but I can’t trade the experience for anything. Therein lie my story. That’s what makes life kool. These pauses. Thanks, Mike, for sharing. I need this book. To be honest.
Love this story- beautiful!
Thanks, Michael. I’ve just completed the 3 steps. Would be looking out for the postman.
I have the ever lasting struggle with being patient. Waiting has always been a chore though I can see it’s usefulness in retrospect. As I have matured I’ve discovered that you can be intentional whilst waiting.
Absolutely!
Patience is a tough one for a lot of us out here – or at least it is for me!
Love that you brought up the need for preparing. Great point!
Well, as comment-guy #100+ I guess i’m out of the running for the free book. But that’s okay. I’ll leave a comment just the same.
My story is a bit different. I have almost no in-between. And I think that’s the situation for most Americans. We fill our lives with so much “stuff” – there is little to no in-between time for any thing or sadly — any one.
I know people who are “so busy” they wouldn’t have enough time to go to the hospital if they had a heart attack.
Busy, busy, busy. Don’t believe me? Just call someone right now and invite them over for dinner or out to coffee. “Uh, let’s see. Sure I think I can have coffee with you any day during the 2nd week of August — 2014.” And on it goes until one day you hear, they’ve moved, went to jail or passed away.
Slow down dear friends. For what are you such a hurry? Work? A Dentist appointment? Yard work? Driving the kids to “fill in the blank”?
I promise you, if you don’t create more in-between, you’ll wake up like Mr. Nichols and go “Yikes! I’m 40!” Or 50, 60, 70…
Cherish the in-between. It might be the only chance you have to be the real you for a few precious moments. Or — is that what we’re all afraid of???
Happy birthday Michael! And many more.
Frank, There are still a few left if you hurry! I appreciate your thoughtful response. Thanks so much for connecting!
I have learned a new song – it has a different beat, words of hope and a rhythm that allows me to dance. In my waiting, there was lifechange at deep levels. While GOD’S silence was difficult, it was transforming. “I waited for the Lord . . . He gave me a new song.” (Psalm 40)
Love this comment!
Great message Michael. Most of life is the In-Between. At least most of of my life has been. If you don’t embrace it, you miss most of what happens in your life.
Thank you!
Living in the now is a concept I teach in our youth ministry and other youth groups. If we’re present for what we’re participating in right now, we can make the most of our our experiences. It opens us up to learning from what’s happening to us and around us. It builds our character. And, ultimately, it makes us better able to handle what’s ahead of us including life’s most difficult circumstances and the better times.
We should strive to “be present” for every experience and every encounter. All of it makes up life, both in the present and in the future.
Building character is a great point – God is always interested in the state of our heart – not just our “activities” for him.
I really needed to hear this. Thanks Michael!
I should also do better at following instructions…so, what have I learned from waiting??? That I’m not good at waiting. I’m always looking for the next big project or event to tackle yet I am frustrated by the busyness of my life. I need to make a change!
Recognizing the need for change is a great first step!
I have learned that God is still faithful and present in the wait.
does this add an extra comment?
Yes, agreed!
A good reminder of something I first discovered some 10 or 12 years ago. We are so attuned to the BIG moments that we dismiss the little. For me, little is the new BIG.
Great point!
I have learned that everything happens by a reason. God’s plans are waaay better than mines.
Always!
I am already completly intrigued by just reading ABOUT this book, and how much it relates to EVERYONE TODAY!! must read, for sure!
It is a great book!
I suppose I have learned that when I fill the waiting with what I need to do next (which might be playing with kiddos or reading a book), I can find unexpected treasures. And the time goes by much more quickly before whatever I was waiting for. I have also learned that it is a flag when I want to be entertained instead of wanting to create during times of waiting.
Yes – learning to recognize when we are trying to occupy ourselves with distractions instead of meaning is a key area of growth.
The number one word used with Faith in scripture is Patience… God know something about the value of The In-Between! Can’t wait to read the book.
Love this!
I went to Catalyst a few years ago when the theme was be present. I’ve been wearing my bracelet from there since as a reminder. I’ve also started adding more things to my life to develop rhythms. Such as putting my phone, wallet, and keys in the fridge when I get home, until the kids go to bed. So that it’s not a distraction. I’m spending time away this week on a retreat for the same purpose. It’s difficult to rework patterns, not to check email or get distracted, and simply be present with those in front of me, but I’m finding life more enjoyable when I do.
Those habits of placing our family above work with simple actions liking walking away from work/distractions/social media always payoff!
I found this article to be very timely for where I am in my life today. A few days ago, I was busy working at home. It was around 9:00 pm and my four year old daughter came into the room and asked “Mommy, why do you work in the morning when we wake up and at night too. Do you work all of the time to get money?” I thought about her question and she was right. I am always working. I decided yesterday after I picked her up from school that I was not going to log-on to work, instead I took her outside and let her ride her bike. I am learning to try to enjoy life more.
From the mouth of babes! Glad you were able to spend some time making precious memories with your daughter!
Waiting strengthens resolve shapes character for one to become more empathic
Love this!
Great post about living in the moment… I had a very tough morning today, loosing money, not getting the right apartment, but in all.. I chose to live in the moment!.. Hanging out with my fiancee, planning a surprise and looking forward to our wedding!
Love that you chose to focus on the positives of your day!
I have had to learn to wait for God’s time, not my own. Recently I had to choose instead of ‘hitting hard’ with a note, that I had to wait for God to do the hard and heavy lifting. This is a hard leadership lesson.
That’s a great example!
Patience and perseverance.
Agreed!
I have learned (and forgotten, and relearned …) to rest
Same here!
I have learned that in the waiting I become more aware of God’s plan and less concerned for my own plan.
Great point!
I have learned that the waiting is the best part of life. While you are waiting for your next big promotion, or next big raise, there is that time of your life that you can use to really live. I have learned not to think so much about what is coming up in my life, but to focus on what I have right now. That is to do as much fun stuff as possible with my wife and kids. I used to focus so much on work, that I forgot to make sure that we were having fun together. I don’t do that anymore.
Appreciating the here and now is powerful!
Great post!! Intentionally looking for ways to intersect our lives is key to building relationships that are God will use
I agree!
Great promo video. It makes you think about how much time we waste waiting for something…and we miss stuff!
Yes – I loved it also!
For those of us you live for the next destination, it is very difficult to smell the flowers – we don’t often even see the trees. Thanks for the remonder.
You are welcome!
Waiting for the next adventure is difficult. I hope this book helps people to enjoy the adventure of now. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Looking forward to reading the book. We all need to live in the moment.
Agreed!
It’s not always about the wait itself. I’ve found that I can grow and learn a lot if I actively wait and not idly sit by and just let things happen. Thanks for the great review!
Actively wait is a great point. Waiting does not mean we have to just sit and wait. Constantly pursuing growth is key.
Looking forward to reading Jeff’s latest! Thanks for this generous offer!
My pleasure!
Waiting has taught me to be more present. Specifically, I’ve noticed how I default to pulling out my phone while waiting in line. Leaving it in my pocket has made me more attentive to the world around me (even the mundane), and more delighted in it.
Absolutely! Great point – we need to look up and around to see the beauty around us.
This describes most people. Everyone waits. Waiting for Godot, who never comes. The message is profound. If you continue to wait, the next best thing will pass you by. I love the message.
Me too!
Thanks for the free book! Waiting is such an important part of growing in the struggle.
My pleasure!
I have been able to attend Liberty University thus far debt free simply because I waited to go. In fact, I realize that had I gone straight to college out of HS I would have fallen flat on my face in complete opposition to God’s plan. Not only do I get to attend college now and reap the benefits of learning what it is like to live one day at a time and hang out with friends, I have been able to earn working experience and leadership development in ways impossible to create otherwise.
I wish I had only considered these principles when I was 4, 5, 6, etc. years old because those years are what who makes up how I think now.
That’s fantastic!
When you are in the middle of waiting it seems. so. long. But when you look back on your life, it can seem so short, and I wonder why I was so bothered by it. I learning to wait has helped me be more appreciative for what I have, and like you said, learn to live in the moment.
Yes!
Waiting has taught me the importance of patience and tolerance as a leader. It has also taught me how to live in the moment ( something I have not been very good at doing). I used to view waiting as a waste of my precious time – I now see it as a gift to enjoy.
A gift is a perfect description!
I have learned to enjoy the present. To focus on what God is doing in my life in the present. I had 10 weeks of recovery after major back surgery on November 2, 2012. I wanted to do so much, felt I was letting people down, and felt so useless. Then the Lord revealed to me to just enjoy all the family and friends that loved and cared for me.
I’m learning that relationships are key – taking time to focus on them is so rewarding.
Waiting has taught that sometimes the sweetest moments in life are not the big events or the flashy moments; but the ones that are subtle. It’s not the birth of a baby, but coming home after you have the baby and get to hold it on your couch. It’s not the wedding, but the moment after the wedding when you wake up the next day next to your wife.
Yes – the seemingly mundane, routine moments are where we often find the most enduring beauty.
When I was twenty-three I truly handed everything in my life over to God. Nothing happened for about six months. Then He brought writing back into my life. Well worth the wait!
Neat story!
I have learned to be still and rest in the process and most importantly for me the waiting has built character, integrity, and maturity in various areas of my life, marriage, and ministry.
Being still is hard sometimes!
to express myself to help others
Great point!
After my first husband and our only child died in a private plane crash, I had a lot of waiting time. Time waiting to see what God had for my life now that it was totally changed. During that time, I learned more about me and that God is with me every moment of my life.
Merf, thank you for sharing that. Talking about loss is tough, and finding a silver lining is even harder. I’m sorry for your loss.
God is with you every day, and things happen for a reason – even if we can’t see it for a long time afterword. Have a blessed day!
Thank you for sharing such a difficult story. Grateful for God’s love and protection over you.
Thanks for the great post today! (And happy early birthday.) I have been learning more and more to live in the moment and soak it in. I work with teenagers and realized at one point that my mindset was not so different from theirs. I had not outgrown the ‘next big thing’ mentality and was missing so many moments with my wife, kids, and in my own adventures. I appreciate your openness in this post and in so many of your posts and try to be as open with my own writings.
Thanks! Appreciate your perspective!
I’ve learned that sometimes the waiting is the time our lives catch up with us… not a time for us to catch up with our lives. We frantically live without reflecting on our experiences. We fill this in-between time with checking our emails, updating our status, making phone calls, writing to-do lists yet what is more rewarding is taking a deep breath, clearing our heads, listening to the sounds around us, and not missing the little things. Those things, when all added up, make for a joyous, grateful life.
Love that!
Wow! This is pure wisdom distilled from an eventful life! It’s so encouraging, practical and life-changing.
Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement and am humbled by your words.
Michael, I completely resonate with your third point “Everyone has a story”. When I started writing, it was more for me to internalize what I was learning and struggling with on leadership. Only now after reading your blog did I realize that I have been experiencing the ‘in-between’. In the process, I have leaned to be less fearful and more giving. I have learned that making mistakes is human (I can be a perfrectionist and will not budge until all my ducks are in a row). I have appreciated that listening is a gift that should be nurtured daily. And now I will hold my in-between moments closer to my heart. Now off to ‘fish’ those tadpoles with my son 🙂
Grateful the post resonated with you in a personal way!
Sometimes waiting allows time for events to play out. After a cooling off period, we often think more clearly. Additionally, if we wait, new opportunities and solutions may present themselves where they weren’t before.
Patience is definitely a virtue and allows time for discernment.
In the in-between times God reminds me that I’m not in control. Unfortunately I need constant reminding.
Same here!
It is great to hear you reflect on hitting 40 (congratulations!) and recognizing you want to spend more of your life in the present moment. This is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and subsequently others. What I’ve learned about waiting; it’s not about ‘waiting to get to a final destination it’s about experiencing and welcoming the highs and lows of the journey and living as many moments as we can in the present. This is where life and reality exist for us.
Great point Kate! Thanks!
Thanks for the post and reminder Michael. I really like the “My mess has become my message.” I would like to get there one day.
It’s a journey for sure!
Looks good!
It is!
Thank you for this reminder! I needed the reminder to not let my tasks overwhelm my family time.
My pleasure!
First of all, Happy Birthday! I really enjoyed reading this post. I found myself nodding in agreement as I read. You’re right…we let life slip by our hands by waiting for the perfect experience to come along. I keep putting things off hoping that I will have a chance to experience them when other critical issues have passed. But in the interim I’ve realized that time doesn’t actually stand still and I’m getting older while waiting. My children are getting older too and they may not even want to experience with me the same activities they may have enjoyed in their younger years. I’ve learned that I cannot bring back the past and that I must make the most of the present no matter how difficult that may be. As time doesn’t stop for anyone, I have to take advantage of every bit of it and live now. Thank you very much Michael for making me reflect about this.
Yes – learning to live fully in those special moments myself!
I’m learning to be patient and rest – 2 things that are HARD for me.
Same here – I have to be intentional about rest!
Michael, thanks for the reminder to slow down and experience life. I was thinking the same thing yesterday as I was rushing around. Calm passion gives more clarity to life.
Love that – calm passion gives clarity to life.
I take it you noticed the play on words. This has been my mantra for many years.
Thank you. Great stuff here. I have learned that waiting is inevitable and out of my control most of the time. God’s timing is better than mine, and even though He keeps me waiting until the last minute many times, I know that He knows best.
Thanks for sharing!
This is exactly what I need right now in this stage of my life. I am currently in the between moments of life. I look forward to reading this book.
Glad to hear that – praying the book blesses you!
I’ve learned patience from waiting. A lot of times I want what I want and I want it NOW. Through having to wait, God has shown me to be patient in all areas and to know that good things usually come to those who wait on God and obey Him. Awesome blog btw!
Thanks – and I love your perspective on waiting on God’s plan & timing.
Awesome post Mr. Nichols! I believe waiting has taught me how to endure! Having to now be the caretaker for my mentally disabled brother, work a full-time job, finish graduate school, work on my book I’m writing, and enjoy my life at 34; I can definitely relate to waiting but also relate to enjoy the In-Between. I am so grateful for the opportunities that God is allowing me to be apart of and now I am really understanding that I need to embrace whats going on in my life. Waiting has taught me to not only endure, but to embrace the waiting period.
Enjoy your day and thanks for the post!
Thank you for sharing your story – very inspirational!
Waiting is HARD, but when you look at the fact that in that waiting time you may be able to bless someone or someone may bless you, that makes it easier.
Agreed – a great perspective!
thanks Michael, you are helping me to process after 20 years of ministry.
Grateful to hear that!
I’ve learned that the waiting is generally the time God wants to do His work in me. Before that “next big thing” that I can’t wait to get to, or before that dream of mine that keeps me up at night is reality, God wants me to wait and He wants to work on me in those times.
Thanks buddy. I thought about you yesterday. Tell Kindel hello – and her little friend Madison misses her. Hope you guys are doing well. Your work always looks great!
One of the greatest things that we have to learn is learning to wait. It’s imperative, understanding that life is a cycle of energy and this world is not just a reflection of you and your thoughts at the moment is key to getting g anything and everything that you want…. This write up is excellent because it highlights how important it is to wait.
Thanks my friend – glad you made it back this morning! 😉
Would not trade this moment for anything…. Appreciate your commitment on improving lives beyond yours…. I true reflection of leadership
“Waiting” is an exhale for me… the pause that I need more than I admit sometimes. Those waiting moments are rich with rest and perspective gathering… things that don’t happen when I’m rushing form one thing to another. Thanks brother!
Like the thought – waiting moments are rich with rest and perspective gathering. Thanks my friend.
Michael, great message today. Meeting and getting to know my neighbors has been one of the things I’ve wanted to do more often than we have. Especially after we found out one of the ladies that goes to our church lived across the street from us for years before we ever communicated. Talk about sad!
Neighbors are cool people! 😉 Good to hear from you Joe.
I have learned that by waiting and wondering I have lost valuable time in my life that I can not make up for.
I know what you mean. Enjoy today!
Thank You, Michael for another excellent post. I’d like to say that at 44, with a young family, that I have learned to live in the moment. The truth is, many nights turn into a waiting game of their own. When we are out, I do live in the moment and I’m “all in”. But when we’re home – I get anxious…waiting to end the day to bring on tomorrow to start the grind over. I suppose waiting, those true moments spent “stuck” waiting, have helped me reinforce that Patience truly is a Virtue. And, that true down time can be a blessing all of it’s own.
I’m learning to enjoy the blessing of down-time too. Thanks man.
Wow, I’m really looking forward to reading this. Thanks! Love your blog so much!
Thanks Marcia!
Great thoughts, and I’m looking forward to reading the book. Like you, I’d say that my regret would be not living more in the moment … more often than I care to admit. From waiting, I’ve most often learned that I should’ve acted sooner, and that more time for analysis has often left me more confused and hesitant to act at all. Thanks, and have a great day!
Thanks Lee – it’s good to hear from you again!
Thanks Michael…I love reading your posts. Always very insightful and thought provoking. So…what have I learned from waiting? I’ve learned that good things truly do come to those who wait. And I’m not just talking about spiritual things, or love either. In my experience, it seems that some of the greatest opportunities I have had came to me when I wasn’t looking, but rather when I was waiting for something to happen. It’s really true – Patience is a Virtue!
I appreciate your kind words, my friend. Love the thought – the greatest opportunities came when I wasn’t looking.
What I have learned from waiting is to be patient.
Great point! Thanks Sherika!
Thanks Michael for your inspiration and generosity today. I really appreciate that your mess is your story – something God has recently laid on my heart as well. My waiting is my son’s autism journey, and the hope for a cure. I’m learning in my waiting to be content in the here and now. To be strong and take heart (Psalm 27:14). To be appreciative of what God is teaching me in this journey (celebrate progress, patience, appreciation).
That’s encouraging, Kim. Love your heart for your boy.
One word: trust. Waiting has taught me to be still and listen when I’ve wanted to move and talk about it. Waiting has taught me to say no when I would have said yes. In the waiting, I’ve discovered how to trust God more than myself.
Thanks Ashton!
Michael, what an AWESOME idea!
I’ve learned from waiting that character is developed. I waited a year for a new job to come. During that time, I grew by learning personal skills through podcasts and amazing books, like 7 Habits, Stop Worrying and Start Living, and of course the Scriptures.
Very cool, Scott!
What a great post. I used to try to manipulate time to match what I thought I wanted. At 40, I’ve now learned that’s not the way to go. What is it about 40, by the way, that changes so many of us? I love that #Starting has brought so many of us together in a way we might not have imagined just a few weeks ago.
Good question – what is it about 40?? Jon and Jeff have both encouraged me greatly.
I so needed to hear this. I heard recent advice to spend money on creating experiences that make memories that you and your family will remember, rather than on material possessions. I think this ties in with that. Your kids won’t remember that cool TV you bought, but they will remember you reading to them every night before bed. Or their first trip to the beach, and the road trip that got them there. These are the things worth the investment of our money and time.
Your’re right, Stephanie. Your boss will soon forget the long hours you put in, but your kids will never forget the memory-making moments.
I’m in the middle of waiting by not having a job. I was a youth pastor and Lord led me out of it for a couple of reasons. I am just waiting on the Lord to lead us back to the right position. I definitely agree that making the most of every moment is the hardest but also the most important. The other thing this period of waiting has helped me learn is to make sure my identity is in Christ. As a male, it’s easy to find my identity in my work or ministry, instead of the One who has provided everything for me. It’s been really good to remember that he loves me and has a plan for me. One final thing I will say, is that it is easy also to think that God has forgotten you, but He hasn’t. God uses these times of waiting to refine us and help get us ready for what he has next. God has used waiting many times in His Word and every time, God had something bigger and better. Don’t settle for something Good. The Enemy of Best is something Good.
Love your perspective. Thanks for sharing your story. I prayed for you this morning.
Great post! I think we could all use a little lesson in cherishing the in-betweens. I will certainly pass the wisdom of your post and the book on to my friends, family, and students.
I think you’re right. Thanks my friend.
“Embrace the wait…Some things in life are worth waiting for.” Well said words in an Instant-Gratification society! Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you! Jeff has written a great book! Tons of practical insight.
I have learned that by waiting it produces the patience that you will need to Maintain and manage that “next big thing”. Just this week I stepped into the reward I something that I waiting for over 6 years to see! I wouldn’t change a thing!
Great perspective! Thanks for sharing your experience. Excited for you!
Great post, Michael! Living in the moment is one of the best things I have learned to do. I read Jeff’s book as well, and I know it will help others learn to do the same.
Thanks my friend. I agree!
Great post. By waiting on God’s timing (rather than mine) I have learned patience. I still have a long way to go in this area
Me too. Me too. Thanks, Todd.
Seems too simple, but I’m sure I’ve wasted most of my “in-betweens.” This is an idea that I think will stick with me. And the trailer is awesome, is a movie coming sono?
The trailer is great! And a movie would be a great idea!
Excellent post Michael! I am excited for see what Jeff does in this book, I have read Wrecked and that was a great book as well. The waiting factor is something I’ve never been good at, feels wasted, but lately that thought pattern/belief has changed into more of a time when the chaos isn’t happening to really capture the adventure we are on daily and enjoy it.
Love your new perspective. I’m in a similar place in life.
I have learned that waiting developes in me a particular kind of strength that only comes from patience. Also that waiting keeps me safe from the worst decisions possible which ultimately grows my trust in God.
Like the idea – waiting keeps me from making bad decisions!
Great post. I have learned that on the other side of a wait, God has something better for me than I ever could have imagined. I went through a time of waiting four years ago and cannot imagine a better challenge than what I am doing now.
So true – the wait is usually worth it. Thanks, Gregory.
Great idea / Excellent post! One thing I’ve learned is that waiting is not something we do to kill time. If handled wisely, waiting is actually a very productive phase of our lives. It’s during the wait that our perspective is being refined, our skills are sharpened and our connections are expanding. Then one day, it all aligns at just the right time and then we have to stop waiting and start jumping. Thanks for the encouragement!
I agree – waiting can be so productive. I appreciate you, my friend.
Great post, Michael. The big thing I have learned in waiting is that God’s timing is WAY better than mine. When I want something, I want it NOW! So, I start trying to kick down doors of opportunity. And, I have learned that is a really good way to hurt your foot and look pretty dumb. If I stay on course, God opens the doors when I get there and I am ready. It is frustrating, but looking back it is way better than it would have been if I had tried to force it!
Thank you, Scott. I’ve tried kicking in a few doors myself.