While Waiting: Keep Busy

By On August 14, 2012 · 10 Comments · In God Moments

Somewhere in limbo between graduation and solid freelance employment, my church hosted a college event. Of course, free food was involved, so I went. As we lined up to eat, someone wanted to bless the food. Seemed like a good idea at the time.

I had just picked up a plate. So I held it, bowed my head, and listened to someone pray, “Lord, I know these students have a lot on their plates right now … Amen.”

When I opened my eyes, the only thing I saw was my empty plate.

Ouch.

Being unemployed, there was nothing on my figurative plate and in my hands was a literal reminder of that.

Practical Tip: Fill your plate. Keep busy.

When you don’t have a job, finding a job is your full-time job.

You can only spent so many hours pouring over job listings, talking to people, and perfecting resumes and cover letters. It gets depressing.

Do it that every day but don’t let it be the only thing you do.

There are few things worse than sitting around, unemployed with nothing to do.

So I began to fill my plate. I haven’t stopped.

I am a professional collector of unpaid jobs.

And it’s ok because I love every single one of them. In fact, I never could have imagined some of the things I’m doing right now, some of the opportunities I’ve had.

Hearts With Haiti

I helped host a mission team in the form of Haitian drummers and dancers.

  • Teach English in China.
  • Serve at the homeless shelter.
  • File papers. Stuff envelopes.
  • Tutor. Babysit.
  • Chauffeur Haitian drummers.
  • Learn to play guitar.
  • Write a novel.
  • Start a LLC and hire yourself.
  • Help with VBS.
  • Chaperone a youth trip.
  • Take up painting.
  • Finish that scrapbook.

“While I’m waiting, I will serve You. While I’m waiting, I will worship. While I’m waiting, I will not faint. I’ll be running the race even while I wait. ” – John Waller, “While I’m Waiting.

Don’t let this time be a waste. Let God use you to be a blessing to someone else.

But also remember just because you don’t have a job doesn’t mean you can do everything.

How do you keep busy during times of waiting? Please share in the comments.

Other posts in the While Waiting series:
Remember
Cry
Don’t Give Up

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  • Tara

    I definitely needed this reminder for sure! With everybody looking at me straight out of highschool, they wanna know what I’m gonna do with my life and I have little to no idea! Thanks for writing this! God bless!

    • http://KatieAxelson.com/ Katie Axelson

      Thanks, Tara! I’ve got one more waiting post coming, anything in particular you want me to address?

      • http://www.hisgirl4life.blogspot.com/ Tara

        Waiting in the storm of life would be good! Like when everything seems hopeless, how to hold on. :) Ha! Incase that seems weird it’s where I’m at right now. Blessings!

        • http://KatieAxelson.com/ Katie Axelson

          Great thought. In storms of life, I always remember, “Imagine the faith you’d have if you WEREN’T going through this.” In other words, your faith is growing (or is it?) through this storm.
          Katie

  • Jessica

    This is so, so practical and so timely. I think there’s alot of us in that place – waiting. And I especially appreciated your comment about not being able to do everything. Whether we’re part-timers or waiting, that’s a huge problem. I struggle with trying to find my worth in all the work I can heap around myself, and that’s a terrible way to live. I’m learning to find joy all around me. Because work does not equal joy. Fulfillment does. 

    • http://KatieAxelson.com/ Katie Axelson

      Thanks, Jessica! I love your search for joy no matter where you are. You’re absolutely right: work does not equal joy.

  • Lizzie

    I am just going into high school this fall, and I am homeschooled.  So I have a lot of free time with nothing to do.  I of course write my Compassion International children and I have an Etsy shop.  Such a good post.  I can’t wait to read your next one :)
    Lizzie

    • http://KatieAxelson.com/ Katie Axelson

      Compassion International CHILDREN? How many do you sponsor?

      • Lizzie

        My friends and I sponsor one. I correspond with four. I am doing a sort of bike-a-thon soon. Hopefully with the money raised by that I will be able to sponsor another one or two. I love them soo much!
        Lizzie :)

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