The expression "waiting for Godot” is often used to describe a fruitless situation or something that may never materialise. It’s akin to the old Polish saying “chasing the wind in the field.” Samuel Beckett did, however, write the play Waiting for Godot in 1948. The play revolves around two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who wait for the arrival of someone named Godot. While waiting, they engage in various conversations and absurd activities to pass the time. However, Godot never arrives, leaving the gentlemen in a cycle of uncertainty. Also, the play explores themes around the human condition and the futility of existence through its portrayal of endless waiting and the characters' futile attempts to find meaning in their lives.
Like the characters in Beckett's play, in the intricate web of human existence, an indisputable link runs through the core of our experiences: the process of waiting. There is a desire and an expectation for something that is not yet here that resides in the quiet corners of our hearts. It's an echo resonating through the human story—every soul, every beating heart on this vast planet, is entangled in the complex web of waiting. Whether it's the yearning for a dream job, the fervent desire for a long-lost love's return, the anticipation of a life-altering moment, or the arrival of a seemingly elusive hope, each waiting moment etches its psychological weight onto the canvas of our lives. The wait is not merely a pause in time; it's a symphony of emotions—hope, despair, longing, and anticipation—playing a poignant tune in the human narrative. It's a universal experience that unites us all, regardless of our differences, resonating with an emotional abyss that binds our shared humanity. In this article, I seek to explore the myriad facets of the wait, exploring its emotional complexities and the profound impact it has on the human spirit.
So, my question to you is: who or what are you waiting on or for?
To answer the first part of the question, we know that in Samuel Beckett’s play, both Vladimir and Estragon waited on Godot, who never showed up. This seeks to suggest that although they both had an expectation that Godot would show up and address whatever their expectations were, they were eventually disappointed, in addition to being unproductive in their time. They missed out on the opportunity to participate and use their time and resources wisely for the benefit of others as well as themselves while they waited. The lesson here is this: if you are waiting on someone, get busy with other things. Make the most of the time while that person or thing is away from your life. Also, it’s expedient to wait on someone who won’t disappoint you in the long run. Are we even sure Godot knew about the existence of this duo? The play was quite silent on this. It could very well be that Godot was unaware that these gentlemen were waiting for him. It is therefore equally important that the person we are waiting for has us on their radar. In the Holy Books, the Psalmist encourages us to wait on the Lord. It says:
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
Why is it refreshing to wait on the Lord? Well, when you wait on Him, He will come through as well as renew your strength so you don’t get weary and discouraged in the waiting period (Isaiah 40:31), as Vladimir and Estragon did.
In addition, it is important to avoid the temptation of wanting to push through with your personal plans while waiting. As seen in the play by Beckett, Vladimir and Estragon never looked elsewhere while waiting for Godot. They still remained expectant for their Godot. That is a resolute belief right here. They could have changed their minds and looked elsewhere temporarily for comfort as a channel to while away time. But they did not. Such a temporary fix or consolation rarely works out well, as history has demonstrated. Take the example of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. After about a decade of marriage, Sarah proposed to Abraham that he should have a child by having an affair with her Egyptian servant, Hagar. After a couple of hesitations, Abraham did, and he bore a son with Hagar. The name of the child is Ishmael. Although they had a son through her servant Hagar, the joy was short-lived. According to the Bible, contention arose, and Hagar and her son Ishmael were sent away. From this, it is important that we don’t force our way to get your Ishmael while waiting for our promise of Isaac. When we do, we create situations that bring about contention and unhealthy rivalries. Also, it is
funny that God created man and gave him the knowledge to invent time. But man is now using his time to time God. We should avoid the temptation of timing God, we are not his boss.
Irrespective of who or what you are waiting for, remain steadfast, and don’t give up on God and your dreams. He has promised us that our expectations will not be cut short. And in His time, He makes everything beautiful. May the Lord continue to grant us the grace to wait for His promise. Amen!
Great piece!