How To Spice Up Your Waiting

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“So, when’s your flight?” I asked, already grinning as I imagined us finally catching up.

“Thursday evening,” Ada replied. “I couldn’t find a direct flight, so I’ll be stopping over in Dubai. I should get to Lagos by Saturday morning!”

Her excitement bounced right back at me through the phone. Ada and I go way back. She’s one of my closest friends. We’ve shared everything from hostel rooms to heartbreaks. I even stood by her side as her bridesmaid when she married her longtime love earlier this year. She had to leave for a work opportunity abroad soon after, and it’s been months since we’ve seen each other.

“Ah, someone is finally coming home to her oga at the top!” I teased.

“Abeg leave me jor!” she laughed. “You know I’ve been counting the days!”

We laughed like old times.

“So, how long are you stuck in Dubai?” I asked, curious.

“Ten hours,” she sighed. “I’m dreading it already.”

“Ten whole hours? That’s not beans, oh!” I exclaimed. “I hope you’ve figured out how to keep busy. Otherwise, that kind of wait can drag forever.”

“Oh, I have plans,” she said quickly. “I’ve got an online seminar scheduled during part of the layover, a couple of books to read, and I’ll probably catch up with you and Emeka while I’m there.”

“Perfect! That’s how to do it,” I said. “At least the time won’t just slip away in boredom.”

That chat with Ada stayed on my mind. It got me thinking about how so many singles are “waiting” in life, but in the wrong way.

Some hit pause on everything once they decide they want to get married. They put their dreams, growth, and even their joy on hold, like life will finally start after saying “I do.” That’s what passive waiting looks like – sitting still, hoping and praying for “someday,” but not doing much else in the meantime.

But that’s not how it should be. The waiting season is meant to be active. It’s a time to be fully alive, intentional, and fruitful. It’s the season to stretch, grow, and bloom right where you are.

During your waiting season, you:

Strengthen your walk with God by going deep in your relationship with Him.
Build emotional and spiritual maturity by growing your character and discernment.
Develop your skills by investing in talents and income-generating abilities.
Nurture meaningful connections by finding mentors, friends, and growing your community.
Step into purpose. You don’t wait for marriage to start walking in your calling.

Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32 (NIV)

Notice the sequence: God’s word builds you up first, then comes the inheritance. Too many people want the reward without the work. But God is more interested in who you’re becoming than how quickly you arrive at the next destination.

Relationships thrive on time and connection, and your relationship with God is no different. The more time you spend with Him, the more you grow to trust and understand His ways.

The waiting season doesn’t have to be lonely or dull. It can be rich, full, and overflowing with purpose if you choose to engage it.

Let God take you places emotionally, spiritually, and mentally that you’ve never been before. This chapter of your life isn’t a filler, it’s a foundation. Build it well. And if you are already married, keep building.