Introduction:

In 2001, as a flight attendant, for Southwest Airlines, I remember times when the aircraft was in a holding pattern. The pilot would announce on the loudspeaker that they did not have clearance to land. Can you imagine a mid-air holding pattern? The times would always vary. They ranged from thirty minutes to an hour and, in some cases, longer. The route had us circling above the airport and this was not at all exciting because it seemed like we were going in a figure eight and the passengers would always be complaining. The time waiting was filled with anxiety, uneasiness, and very disturbing.

Fast forward to 2023, and I found myself navigating life’s pauses. I felt as though I was back on the plane being suspended in air waiting for clearance to land. These times can be annoying whether you’re in between jobs, experiencing grief, awaiting a significant decision, or are just stuck in a creative rut. Over the years I have learned and know now, that when progress feels paused, God is saying, “Be still and know that I am God”…Psalms 46:10. In all of our ways, we should acknowledge the Lord and He will direct our path. Proverbs 3:6.

Holding patterns or what you may consider a crisis, are quiet places for hidden opportunities for growth, reflection, and preparation.

Below are some things that I am learning during this journey:

⌛If you are experiencing a holding pattern, a waiting-to-exhale moment, or the process of going through the motions, I pray that you receive discernment from the Holy Spirit and insight from this post.

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I’m Here Lord, and I’m Waiting. What Should I Do?

1. Embrace the Interruption:
   • So your life is on pause. Life isn’t always about constantly moving upward. Use this time to draw closer to the Lord and determine His plans. In Jeremiah 29:11, He tells us that He knows the plans He has for us. It’s our responsibility to breathe, reassess, and petition Him to find out which direction to go. Ask Him to lead and be obedient to follow.
   • Spend some time practicing appreciation and reflecting on your favorite scripture. Being grateful for where you are currently and what you already possess can shift the feeling of “groundedness” into gratitude for the here and now. Side note: A few of my sisters in Christ did a text journal on gratitude for seven days and shared it. It was therapeutic.
2. Change the Way You Have Been Conditioned to Think:
   • Began your thinking process by reframing the situation. How can you make this time more productive? In prayer, we like to do all the talking and never take time to be still before the Lord. James 19:1 tells us to Be slow to speak and quick to listen. The Lord will guide you on whether to learn new skills, develop healthier habits, or cultivate creativity.
   • Here’s a little inspiration: I have a friend who has been in a holding pattern for over a decade and will open her Kindergarten–5th-grade school in 2025. What if she had taken the stance to quit? Her lifelong dream would never have become a reality. Develop mental toughness and endurance when God has you on a journey and His timing.
3. Invest in Preparation:
   • I encourage you to use this waiting period wisely and prepare for what’s to come. As you seek the Lord’s guidance and plan for the next step, revisit your vision. improve your gift, or build up mental resilience. This will help the process not feel too prolonged.
   • Read blogs that motivate you. Research ideas for jobs or crafts that interest you. Journal. Set short-term goals such as creating a schedule or roadmap, organizing your life, networking, or going to the school of YouTube.
4. Give Up Control:
   • This is a major key and God is working with me to trust Him with my whole heart. There is so much peace in surrendering all to the Heavenly Father. Talk about reducing anxiety! Letting go of control will guide you into your dependence on God and help you release independence.
   • A few of my friends and I have laughed about not asking God for patience because we know that means more trials and therefore we’re not always willing. But when we come into full submersion into the things of God, we gain insight into trusting the process, becoming patient, and watching things unfold in God’s time. Can you remember times when you had to surrender?

Conclusion:

Although holding patterns, aka postponement, can seem daunting, it is not a sign of failure or the end of life as you know it. There is power in pausing for self-fulfillment. And there are periods in which the Lord has you hidden. Think of it as a cocoon awaiting your release to become a butterfly. It’s just a temporary state. I realize I am not alone in this feeling and you are not alone. Pieces of the puzzle of life will unfold as God wills if we are willing and obedient. The best way forward is to embrace the pauses, prepare mentally, spiritually, and emotionally for the next phase and chapter of life.

Please share your experience and tips in the comments for making the most out of life’s holding patterns.

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Take a look at this blog post for more insight…God’s Order for Rest and Self-Care.