In Praise of Waiting (A Roundabout Front Deck Update)

Life has given me plenty of opportunities to wait.

I grew up in a large family. I waited 13 years for my husband to work a job that allowed him to come home to us every night. I waited two years to learn I was pregnant with my oldest child. Then I waited another two and a half years to find out I was pregnant with my second. I waited four years to find a job close to home. I waited eight years to be in a position to have the wiring and plumbing redone in this old cottage. 

I should be really good at waiting. 

But I’m not.

Could it be because I live surrounded by a culture that clamors for “right here, right now” living? Where I can place a grocery order and pick it up only an hour later? Where waiting for more than two days for a package is an inconvenience? 

Maybe. 

As much as I dread waiting, I am fully aware that instant gratification is a lie. It whispers to us that life simply isn’t worth living in the “in between,” that things will be better when we can get or have whatever it is that we desire. 

Voltaire said it best: “We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.” 

How often do each of us put off really living because our circumstances don’t align exactly with our vision? 

Waiting, when done properly, is so good for our souls. Some of the richest and sweetest blessings in life require joyful patience. A spring garden haul. Banana bread. A fine wine. A completed handmade project. A spouse who perfectly complements us. 

But each of these things require actionable steps in the interim. 

A garden doesn’t simply become a garden because one chooses to plant some seeds. It requires constant watering, weeding, pruning, pest removal, fertilizing. And after this period of waiting, characterized by measured and intentional steps, we are rewarded with a harvest. Life doesn’t end the day the seeds are tenderly placed in the ground in the expectation of that future bounty. Life continues, the gardener finds purpose and meaning in continuing the daily work despite the lack of immediate reward. 

Oh that this little cottage would reflect life in the waiting. That this sweet little place and its inhabitants would thrive in all of the “in-between” places in life rather than simply looking ahead to “someday.”

In this season of finishing our front deck, a project I’ve dreamed of accomplishing for so many years, I’m reminded of all of the biggest benefit that has come with waiting: A clarified, attainable vision.

• Opting for a true “porch” versus putting a sliver of roof above our ugly concrete stoop.
• A screen door that provides the perfect creaky soundtrack to our cottage.
• Plant choices that more adequately reflect our vision for a slightly wilder landscaped look.
• An inspired take on a window box that I can’t wait to execute.
• A budget that allows for a few splurges (like this composite wood from Trex that we opted for in the hopes that it would last). 

I’m slowly adding touches  to the deck. I don’t want to splurge all at once, but I saw a few “must have” items this week, including these beautiful pillows and battery-operated lantern from the Better Homes and Gardens collection at Walmart. 

I started a mood board on Pinterest to get a grip on all of my ideas. Here are a few purchases I’m looking to make in the coming weeks:

• This adorable door mat. I really want to layer it on top of something else, but I haven’t found its perfect match yet.
• These adorable hanging planters. I envision ferns or something that beautifully cascades.

I’m really stuck on what kind of planters I want to use framing the front door. I’m so surprised by how challenging it is to find outdoor-appropriate planters that are woven or even have the woven look. I found an old step ladder in the garage that I want to fill with plants on one side of the door. My husband isn’t a fan. We’ll see if I can convert him.

I’m not in any rush; I know true inspiration will hit if I just exercise a little patience.