Have you ever thought about how often you make the statement “I can’t wait until …”? I use that phrase way too often. “I can’t wait until springtime.” “I can’t wait until our vacation.” I can’t wait until John makes that decision.” Most of the time, “can’t wait” is harmless. Yet it hints at a deeper issue. I am always looking forward, away from the present. For me, the grass that is greener on the other side is always in the future. If I pause and consider this for a moment, it is sad. Beauty exists ever day. Life exists every day. Today is not to be rushed through, but embraced. Even the really hard days are precious gifts: hard days of wrangling small children running crazy, hard days of walking with a loved one suffering in pain, hard days grinding through monotonous work.

A second issue suggested by the phrase “can’t wait” is discontentment. The twin cousins to “can’t wait” is “I wish that…” and “If only…” All of these phrases sow seeds of discontentment in small, insidious ways in my life. While discontentment can spur one on to better paths, this kind of discontentment, the “can’t wait” discontentment, is really only ungratefulness in disguise. Because of the discontentment, I become exasperated with matters that make no real difference in my life. I will think, “I can’t wait until that construction is finished” regarding some random building that I drive by or a road project that slows me down a full 10 seconds. I even get impatient with how slowly other people make decisions that don’t even affect me. 

The wrong response is to beat myself up over these imperfections. We all have our quirks. If I reflect, though, without condemnation, I realize that “can’t wait” robs me of joy and peace. Rather than berate myself, I hope to open my eyes to the gift of today.

For a while I had a habit of waking up each morning and quoting to myself a Bible verse, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it!” (Ps. 118:24) When I did this, it centered me. I opened my eyes to what was ahead of me that day. I was more present in meetings with friends or co-workers. That was one of the better habits I practiced.

The truth is we can wait. The future will come before we know it. And so, today:

• Take a few moments; take several deep breaths and relax. It won’t take long to lower your stress one notch.
• Decide not to rush today. Get started slightly earlier and take it a little slower. I assure you that you will get just as much done, just without the angst.
• Work to reframe that distasteful task you have or that difficult meeting by deciding to fully engage in it.

Claim the following affirmations:

• I can wait for the future. I will enjoy the anticipation of tomorrow without forgetting the value of this day.
• I will be present today. I will rejoice in today.
• I will embrace the good and the hard that comes with today.

Have a good day today!