“We do not obtain the most precious gifts by going in search of them but by waiting for them.”

So says the philosopher Simone Weil. Her quote caught my attention when I saw it referenced in David Brook’s new book, How to Know a Person. Curiously, I had been reflecting on this very conundrum in my own effort to slow down, be still, and allow my story to play out as it will. You see, the act of surrender, acquiescence, or waiting, is antithetical to the gut instincts of some. We are too often in search of answers, solutions, connection, affirmation, and yet sometimes, what we seek is nowhere to be found. That’s precisely the time to back off, stop pressing, and let nature take its course. Thus, I fully acknowledge and endorse the sentiment articulated by Ms. Weil.

Sometimes.

The problems with waiting for “precious gifts to appear” are myriad. Avoidance, laziness, fear, submissiveness, apathy, compliance, and lack of intellectual curiosity are all conditions that can get in the way of a person’s search for whatever it is they desire. Some folks resist acting on pretty much anything and everything, period. They are just fine sitting back on their haunches, waiting—waiting for the right moment, alignment of the stars, the perfect whatever. The time has to be just right. Or, they’re obstinate and will act when they’re ready.

Well, the truth is that sometimes the timing is never right, and so the “waiters” are never ready to act. They are more comfortable with complacency. And so, I........

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