That tiny blue daisy blooming about an inch from the lifeless lawn promises me that spring is headed my way. Still, the sharp winds whip the chimes on our porch, and the occasional mild day only teases me into thinking early spring. There’s no way I can convince the cherry tree to rush its blooms or the wisteria to give us an early purple preview. I have to wait.

It’s been called a game but a difficult and frustrating one. Compare your list to mine: I’ve waited for the bus to take me to my first grade where I waited in line for the rest room and cafeteria. I have waited for test scores and waited for the bell to ring — then waited in line to get on the bus. I’ve waited for snow days and spring break — for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’ve waited for the ground to warm and for barefoot summers _ for the spring violets that bloomed around the rocks _ for my first pair of penny loafers — for graduation.

I’ve waited through the night by the commode for the stomach virus to release me. I’ve waited near the phone for Othel’s call — I’ve waited by the oven for the biscuits to brown and rolls to rise — I’ve waited in the car for ball practice to end — I’ve waited next to the bed for little foreheads to grow cool again — I’ve waited by the window for teenager car lights to turn up the drive — I’ve waited with my camera for brides to finish their makeup — I’ve waited under the bed for hide and seeker players — I’ve waited for tomatoes to turn red and for summer showers to settle the dust — I’ve waited for the first lightning bug and the last frost.

I’ve waited for answered prayers and signs of spiritual growth — I’ve waited for lab reports and slow computers — I’ve waited in hospice rooms and maternity wards — I’ve waited for Mother to fall asleep in her nursing home bed, and I’ve waited for grandchildren to fall asleep in my arms. I’ve waited late to see an eclipse, and I’ve waited motionless in a deer stand — I’ve waited with a heavy heart, and I’ve waited with a joyful one.

There’s a lifetime of “waits” for all of us, but the most significant, rewarding and fruitful waiting for me has been waiting on the Lord. “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” Psalm 28:14.

I’ll confess that it has been and is the most difficult wait to learn, but I keep reminding myself I must reap its rewards on this earth for in heaven waiting will be obsolete. Waiting involves time and time loses all meaning in eternity.

Letters to Camille Anding can be sent to P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS, 39602, or e-mailed to camille@datalane.net.