What Do We Do When We Wait?

Focus

First, get comfortable in a quiet, undisturbed setting. If you only have a limited amount of time, be able to see a clock easily from where you are sitting. As you close your eyes, think of closing the door to outside distractions. Focus on what’s going on inside, literally, what’s going on in your body. Without strain or effort, let yourself become aware of a single rhythmic element in your body, such as your breathing or heartbeat. If you like, you can focus on an outside rhythm, such as a clock ticking. The point here is to cooperate as much as you are able with the Lord as He begins to still your mind, will and emotions. As you focus on your heartbeat, for instance, don’t pay attention to what you are thinking, feeling or should be doing. Just listen; don’t necessarily “hear” something.

Your mind WILL wander! The odds are that for most of your life you have let your thoughts and emotions go wherever they wanted. There were of course times when they would be disciplined, but they would entail self-discipline, brought under control by your own strength of mind, will or emotions. Now we are learning to free our soul to be joined to our spirit, which is already joined to the Holy Spirit. As your mind wanders, don’t react! Or if you feel anxious, or are even antsy sitting still, don’t react! Simply close your eyes again and remind yourself of your present purpose—to be with the Lord!

Whatever happens during this time is up to the Lord! This is His training ground, and He will provide exactly what we need to accomplish His purpose for this time. Reacting to the actions of our soul only gives it control and keeps it from being free and available to the Lord.

The importance of this time is not that you get something out of it or see a change or have a sense of His presence. The purpose of this time is simply that you show up for class.