A Norvell Note

Vol. 28 No. 7 

2-12-24

Waiting for the Number

When people enter the waiting area, they must put numbers into a computer to receive a ticket with a number on it. This is the number by which they will be called to a window with a number above it. Each ticket has a letter preceding the number. Each person holds on to their ticket and the documents they brought as if they contain life or death information. In some ways, I suppose it does. 

The room is full. All the chairs are taken. A few are standing. Rich people. Poor people. Anxious people. People who are in a hurry and do not want to wait. One who feels the need to express his frustration and loudly offers his opinion on improving the process. Some are content to sit and wait. 

All eyes are on the screen at the front of the room. On the left side of the screen is a row of numbers, each with one of the two letters preceding the number. Everyone was waiting for their number to be called. 

When a number is called, a sigh of relief replaces the anxiety on that person’s face. A round of applause would be appropriate, but that rarely happens. Everyone else waits for their number to be called. 

Life is sometimes like the waiting room. Some people live as if they are in a room waiting for their number to be called by a stranger sitting in a room on the other side of a glass window. They anxiously wait and wonder, “Is anyone back there?” “Is anyone working?” “Why is this taking so long?” Some give up and leave because the wait is too long. 

That’s not the way it is with God. us. The waiting is life. God doesn’t want to sit in a room waiting for a number to be called. He wants his followers to live and actively share His love and goodness. There is no need for anxiety and doubt. As a child of God, He will call your name. So relax and enjoy the wait. 

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved