Okay, you guys, get ready for some brain vomit.

Much of life is centered on waiting.  We are waiting for the next big thing to happen.  We are waiting for life to get interesting.  We are waiting in random rooms for random things to happen.  Waiting.

And while none of this could really be categorized as Limbo, there are certain periods of our lives that I have started to call the “Limbos of life”.  (and yes, I recognize that this term has probably been used by hundreds of much smarter people over the years. lol.)

For the past couple of years, I have thought a lot about limbo.  As a High School Junior and Senior, it can seem like you are doing a lot of waiting.  And while you are busy with school or work or family stuff, it can be hard to see the long-term goal.

The social definition for limbo is this:

an uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state or condition.

In High School, your goal is always to prepare for what will happen next.  You are awaiting the decision or resolution.  And that naturally means that you don’t have much time to focus on the present.  You are sending in applications, writing essays, and trying to hold good grades so your transcript looks good.

And if you’re anything like me, you’re usually dreaming about what will happen next year.

I’ve been thinking about college in general for a couple of years. It’s always fun to fantasize about the future. The problem with that is that when you have your mind set on what won’t be happening for a while, you don’t appreciate what’s happening at the present so much.

You have been given this beautiful life to live for a reason!!  You were put onto this earth by a loving Father that cares for you like crazy.  And He has a plan for you.  Like right now.  Not next year.  Not in ten years.  RIGHT NOW.

Imagine you have been given a box.  And on the top of said box, you read the word, “Potential”.  You have been told, by God, that you can open this box whenever you are ready to open your mind and heart to whatever God has in store for you (i.e. your potential in life).  He’s not telling you to wait to open it until you’ve picked your major and aced a few classes.  He’s not suggesting you wait until you are married, have a nice house, and a few kids.  He’s not even asking that you wait until you’re completely ready.

That’s the point: He is just asking you to be open to whatever He has waiting for you.

Yes, I used that dreaded ‘W’ word again.  Who cares?  Life is full of waiting

These times of Limbo, my friends, are so much more about living life to the fullest than about waiting.  God’s potential for us does not have a date.  It started the day that we were born and will last until the day that we die.  No waiting for anything.

And yes, we can dream about the future.  It’s always a good idea to plan and organize, as long as it doesn’t stop you from living in the present.  So, here’s just a few tips for staying on task with the present, even when you are feeling a bit of Limbo creeping in.

Make a list of your aspirations/plans/or goals.  And then put it on the shelf for a while.

YES!  Plan for the future.  Dream about what might happen in a few years.  Set goals.  And work towards those things a little each day.  But don’t feel like they should be coming together right before your eyes.  Let them sit on the shelf for a while and work on things that you can do to impact your life and the lives of others right now!!

Use this time of supposed quiet or waiting to spend more time with God.

What better way to make the quiet times of life go by quicker than by spending quality time with God.  Commit to 15 minutes of prayer each day.  Read your bible.  Try your hand at prayer journaling.  Just bask in His love as much as you can!

Invest a little extra time into your friendships as well.

I’m sure you wouldn’t mind an extra coffee on any given day (or tea. ha).  Well then, why don’t you find yourself a coffee date.  And I don’t mean a guy.  Grab a girlfriend and just hang out.  Talk, pray, laugh, cry.  It all works.  And the hot drink is just a nice bonus.

Keep a gratitude list handy and write something down every day.

I have always love the idea of keeping a gratitude list.  Finding something positive to be thankful for each day is so easy and beneficial.  Instead of focusing on the negatives in your life, commit to coming up with positive things to keep you motivated.

Take care of yourself and learn as much as you can.

Treat yo self!!  This is your chance to grow as an individual and truly find your worth in Christ.  Pick up an extra self-development or faith-based book.  Listen to audio books or podcasts whenever you get the chance.  Take this extra time to soak in as much as you can.

 

I hope this little post inspires you and helps you see purpose in every stage of life.

Have a blessed day.

Maddy