When nothing seems to be happening ...

We have all had periods of our lives when things were not going quite as we expected. It might have been a promotion that did not materialise, a pregnancy that was not happening, a partner we were not meeting or it may be that we were not being as productive as we would like in our various pursuits. Perhaps, we were productive but what we produced was not getting the attention or acclaim that we expected. I have been thinking about this over the last few days and then I remembered a poem I wrote years ago which fits this theme. I will share it below but first I want to express how very critical our attitude is in times when things are not going the way we expect them to go or when those around us do not seem to be as productive as we would like them to be.

 First of all, we should note that during these periods something is happening. We might not be aware of the chiseling and polishing that is taking place to fit us for what the future holds, but we should not despair when we do not seem to be getting ahead or doing as much as we would like. There are so many lessons in nature that demonstrate that apparent inactivity is not wasted time. We all know that something is happening in a seed that lies in the earth before the first cotyledons emerge. What's happening in a chrysalis before a magnificent butterfly emerges? Because we cannot see the process does not make the exceptionally spectacular transformation any less real. You might want to argue that my analogy is faulty and when your plans, hopes and aspirations are not coming to fruition, it's just that, nothing happening, period. This will only be true if you cease to live during that period. Once you are alive, holding on to your dreams and making the best of whatever situation you are in, something is happening. Maybe, you are developing skills and attitudes that will fit you for the future without even being aware of it. Maybe, you're acquiring knowledge that will become critical when things begin to happen for you. I just know that when nothing seems to be happening, it is often our perspective that is skewed.

Secondly, check your attitude. We should not be going around feeling sorry for ourselves and complaining when life is not progressing as we wish. Neither should we complain about nor condemn others who do not seem to be making as much progress as we expect them to. Be patient with yourself and be patient with those around you. The golden rule is applicable here. Furthermore, we should consider whether our attitude might not be our stumbling block. Some time ago I saw a poster which read, "A bad attitude is like a flat tyre, you won't get anywhere unless you change it". So true. Once you have the confidence that you are being prepared for the future and you have the right attitude, then just be patient. Your time will come and when it does, it just might exceed your wildest dreams.

Finally, explore alternatives. While it is good to hold on to your dreams, a period of dearth, might be an opportunity for you to discover that you have talents that you were not previously aware of. It might also be a chance for you to assess whether what you want is really in your best interest. Maybe it might be in your interest but not in your best interest if it will have a negative impact on those you love. If the people you love are unhappy, I guarantee you will be unhappy too. So, while you are holding on to your dreams, have an open mind. God might have something bigger and better for you which you will discover as you explore alternatives. Remember, "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8: 28 (KJV). So, when nothing seems to be happening, have faith and be kind to yourself and others.

Here's that poem I mentioned at the beginning:

Spare a kind thought

Spare a kind thought, my friend
Spare a kind thought.
Do not judge too harshly the season's blight
nor time's apparent waste.

There will be fruit yet 
what blossomed in seasons past
will flourish again.

Look closely, 
the desert blooms the fairest of flowers,
the sun blazes above a thick jungle,
and the sleeping child wakes with light in his eyes.

So, spare a kind thought
In this apparent waste
Words take root
and a poem springs to life.