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“I really need to change my prescription,” Vincent told me yesterday. “I’m not able to read well.”
It had been almost two years since my husband had been to the eye doctor for an eye exam—since we were in the U.S.
“I’m getting tired of pulling my hair back in this headband,” I complained to myself while looking in the mirror. “I really need a hair cut. I’m sick of the ‘quarantine look.’”
It had been almost five months since my last trim. I cut the guys’ hair in my house—all 5 of them! However, none of them have offered to cut mine. Actually, I take that back. One of my sons suggested shaving my head bald!
“David still needs to see the doctor. They cancelled his appointment the week lockdown started in Spain,” I reminded my husband.
I wondered if and when my son would ever get a new appointment when the doctors finally re-open their offices in town. We had been in lockdown for almost three months.
“You better brush your teeth well,” I told my 7-year-old. “You have already had several cavities, and there are no dentists working right now if you need one.”
Deep down inside, I hoped there was no cavity or decay in any of our mouths. I don’t think there are any dentists available to do any type of cleaning or repair—other than maybe for an emergency!
“Bernie stinks! He is so matted and dirty. He is long overdue for a good grooming,” my son reminded me.
Yes, it had been over six months. There was no way that I could attempt to groom my dog by myself at this point. He was a mess!
“I had just started doing physical therapy for my hip,” I told my husband. “I did four sessions just before lockdown.”
I would need to start my therapy all over again when this was over. Any progress I had made would be lost.
A Long List
I have a much longer list than this of things I need, but can’t have right now. I’m sure you do too.
There are also things I want, but can’t have right now. For example, I really want to see my family.
My mother, sister, niece, and nephew were planning on coming to visit us in June, but their flights were cancelled due to the COVID-19 crisis. Huge disappointment.
Things I want, but can’t have. It’s out of my reach.
There are other things that I want. I always long for some of my favorite things from around the world—maple donuts and Dr. Pepper from America, my favorite lamb and prune tagine from Morocco, a fresh hot baguette from the best bakery in France.
“These are a few of my favorite things!”
Yes, the list is long.
However, I’m not talking about things like maple donuts and Dr. Pepper. Those are non-essential needs.
The Essential Needs
Rather, I’m talking about the things that we really need and can’t have right now—dental cleanings, bloodwork, eye exams, chiropractic adjustments, hair cuts, moves.
Our family has been staying in a temporary, furnished home in Spain for the past 10 months.
Just days before lockdown started in Spain, we signed a contract on our new rental home. We were so excited.
The plan was to move our personal belongings from France (currently in storage now for 2 1/2 years) to Spain at the beginning of April. We wanted to take the entire month of April to clean, paint, unpack, and settle in our new home little by little. On May 1, we planned to officially move our life into our new home.
Well, our April 1 move from France didn’t happen. Our May 1 transfer to our new house didn’t happen.
Nope, our furniture still sits in our storage unit in France. Our family still lives in our temporary, furnished home.
We currently have two homes, and we can’t move.
All international borders are closed, and there is no crossing allowed except for major emergencies. A move into a new house is not listed among “major emergencies.”
So, we wait. Yes, we need to move, but we can’t. We currently have two homes, two rental payments. But, there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.
Things we need, but can’t have.
Contentment and Peace
Things we are waiting for.
The waiting is hard. We want to be in control. We want to move. We want to go. We want to reach and grab ahold of these things that we want and need. But, for now, they are out of our reach.
So, how do we find contentment and peace in the waiting?
I don’t have all the answers. But, I do know that I can find glimmers of contentment and peace in the waiting.
It’s hard, but it is possible.
Even when my plans (my move, my doctor’s appointments, etc.) are changed, cancelled, and out of my control, I can daily remind myself of a promise that has guided me throughout my life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
The Bible
These words give me comfort. I can rest in the waiting. I can find peace in the waiting.
I’m sure that there are things in your life that you need, but can’t have. There are certainly things for which you are waiting anxiously.
What are those things? Until you can have them, how do you find peace and contentment in the waiting?
—THE CULTURAL STORY-WEAVER
MY GIFT TO YOU—GET YOUR FREE EBOOK—“THE 5-DAY JOURNEY TO CULTURAL AWARENESS”!
LET’S WEAVE CULTURES!
What do you need right now, but can’t have? Make a list of all of your essential needs. How do you find peace and contentment in the waiting?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures!” Write about them in the comment box below.
