Some of you may remember that back in July 2022 I wrote a reflection all about the refurbishment of the iconic Union Chain Bridge spanning the River Tweed between England and Scotland. Well, I’m happy to report that last week, after the works being vastly over budget, and no less than 17 months late, the bridge re-opened amidst a flurry of activity. I even managed a quick sup of champagne later that evening, when I happened to meet a few members of the committee who were there enjoying the beautiful spring evening, and admiring the finished article; job done… eventually!
For the architects, contractors and fundraisers (to mention but a few of the many stakeholders), the re-opening of the bridge has been a long time coming, yet I’m sure all involved would agree it’s been a thoroughly worthwhile project, and well worth the long wait. Waiting however, is not a virtue that appears to be valued today, and not something many of us expect we should ever have to do! Our drive-thru, express check-out, while-you-wait culture all too easily tempts us into believing that by embracing a particular service or offer, we’re making the best use of our time, thus freeing up further time for us to do the things we love most. Yet, that’s not what I see in the increasingly busy, sometimes almost manic lifestyle of many of my peers; even in rural areas, and yes, even amongst Christian friends.
Over the months that the refurbishment of the bridge continued, there were many days when there was no visible sign of any work taking place, ‘what’s happening?’ some of the locals queried, ‘what are they waiting for?’ Perhaps they were waiting for essential parts to be manufactured or delivered, or maybe waiting for further technical advice (some of which came via a French company), either way it made perfect sense to wait, even if onlookers were frustrated, sometimes it’s best to wait.
Sadly, mirroring what I observe in wider culture, I have on occasion encountered this lack of ability to wait well within the church, and indeed within my own life. Last week whilst chatting with a colleague the question was asked “if you were to develop a resource for encouraging rural churches to embrace the current culture and climate, what would be the most important thing you would advise?” Amongst other things my colleague insightfully responded “I’d help them to wait.” As we witness unprecedented change within the UK church, and a period of what Simon has helpfully called the ‘great unravelling,’ instead of joining the clamour to discover and implement the latest strategy to raise money or swell congregations, how about I offer you a simple olive branch of hope? Wait; and learn to wait well. I readily admit, waiting is not easy and recently as I’ve been waiting for my wife’s scan results and appointments with the oncologist, I’ve probably adopted the cat on a hot tin roof approach, and not the serene posture I advocate here; I have much to learn.
As the wait continued for the works on the Chain Bridge to be completed, I was often reminded of Nehemiah’s refurbishment and rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, and having read the account again recently I was struck by how often he had to wait, not immediately rushing ahead on to the next stage. For instance, upon seeing the need in Jerusalem firstly he wept, mourned and fasted followed by prayer (1:4ff). He then spent four further months waiting, praying and confessing the sins of the people to God, before he sought permission to travel to Jerusalem and begin the work.
So, finally I wonder, what are you waiting for today? Are you waiting well? As we go into another new week it’s my hope and my prayer, that you’ll be able to value each stage of the waiting process and know God’s peace as He reveals His plans, in His perfect time (Isaiah 30:18). Instead of becoming frustrated by long periods of waiting and a seeming lack of progress, which can easily be seen as laziness, let’s try to be gentle with ourselves, and allow events to progress at God’s pace. I conclude with the words of ‘Little Church’ by Donovan Leitch, based on the life of St Francis of Assisi.
If you want your dream to be,
take your time, go slowly.
Do few things but do them well,
heartfelt work grows purely.
If you want to live life free,
take your time, go slowly.
Do few things but do them well,
heartfelt work grows purely.
Day by day, stone by stone
build your secret slowly.
Day by day, you’ll grow to,
you’ll know heaven’s glory.
If you want to live life free,
take your time, go slowly.
If you want your dream to be,
take your time, go slowly.
Ali Birkett Director: Northern England & Scotland
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