"You were born for a time such as this". And so, many people I know have listened to this verse as a description of the 'greatness' of the moment and as a kind of benediction on their lives and ministries. It means, beneath the surface, that they are called to a significant role in history. Like Esther, they are important.
We all want to be important. We all want to be significant 'players' on the stage of history.
Advent can be seen this way, as the kairos moment on the verge of changing the world. And it is - really! But Advent itself tries to teach us the lesson of the waiting room.
This is not a new image for Advent, but it is an observation for our time. I've been in a few waiting rooms in my life. Lots of them actually. And at this time in my life I know what to do in them. There are a few practices that may prove helpful for you that I've learned along the way and recently reflected on when I was sitting in a hospital waiting room a few weeks ago.
First, once you arrive don't be anxious about needing to talk to someone or seeing the people you came to encourage. Don't be anxious about your part. Your part is essentially done. You are present.
Second, be considerate of others in the waiting room - especially people who are not part of your concerned group. Listen, watch, help where you can. It may mean offering a chair or opening a door. Usually small things. Don't get into other people's problems, just make it easier for them to bear their burden. You don't have to carry it. You can be a help by not being needy. It's not about you anyway. (I preached this long before Rick Warren got a hold of it. He may have stolen it from me! Well, I may have stolen it too!)
Third, make sure you bring something to do. I'm always prepared to pray. Usually, I have something to read. Sometimes I will have internet access and can use my iphone keep in touch. Sometimes I would bring paper and pen and write. More often than not, the only thing I get to is praying. There was a member of my former congregation who was sitting in the hospital hallway when the parent of the child in the ICU passed by. He was asked if he wanted to come in and visit. His response was no, he was doing what he needed to do - pray. And my friend went regularly to the hospital and diligently prayed for healing. He didn't need updates or doctor consults. Prayer covered it all.
Fourth, don't be anxious to leave. Number one, those you go to visit are on a timeless clock. Yours is of no consequence. Plus, when you wait and stay put, you may just be there at the right moment. Certainly if you pray, you are doing an important work. But if you can't wait around, why did you come by in the first place? Showing up - sticking around.
Fifth, speak when spoken to. Don't be anxious about what you are to say. Listen a lot. Be attentive to those you came to see. You don't have the right words to say anyway - and oh, did I mention - it's not about you.
I believe this Advent season we are, more than ever, sitting in the world's waiting room. We don't know the extent of the injuries to our culture, economy, world. We don't know what will happen. We feel powerless over the events that have shaped the current status of our lives and country and beyond. The people around us seem on the verge, the edge, and are anxious.
The above things may well be a good way to navigate. Most importantly the world needs us to be a non-anxious presence. You might be surprised by how much you make a difference by showing up, sticking around, listening, praying, being helpful to those outside your circle of friends. Advent is a good time for us Christian types. It can very well bring out the best in us.