waiting …

There is, for me, a deep difference between longing and expectation.

In expectation, there is a demand – a standing in line, impatiently wondering, When will the line move?

In longing, there is a request – and a willingness to wait.

The waiting itself becomes a connection. When I truly ask – when my longing is genuine – I am open. Open even to pain, open even to disappointment.

This is living in the full force of life.

But when I am in expectation, I am demanding: The experience must come to pass! Do not disturb me now!

Ragen, Akiva ; רגן, עקיבא. The Secret of the Encounter: An existential interpretation of the book ‘I and Thou’ by Martin Buber, 8-9.