Aligned and Waiting - A Lesson in Patience and Timing

As we reflect on the year gone by, one powerful lesson stands out for me: some things you have to fight for, while others are simply aligned and waiting for you. This simple yet profound realization struck me one evening while waiting for a cab with my family. What seemed like an ordinary experience turned into a life-changing lesson about patience, alignment, and the unexpected surprises that unfold when we least expect them.

That night, we were stuck in Karen, trying to get a ride to our destination, which locals humorously refer to as "Diaspora." With every passing minute, frustration mounted. We kept requesting rides, but one by one, drivers canceled—not because the fare wasn’t appealing, but because none of them wanted to venture to a place considered too far and potentially unproductive due to limited return trips. Some drivers politely explained their reservations, others canceled without a word, and a few even came close to our location before abruptly canceling. The frustration was palpable, and as people often say nowadays, "wacha niseme, initoke."

As the night wore on, it felt like we were trapped in an endless cycle of rejections. Yet, we continued to wait, hopeful. Then, something unexpected happened. A cab driver accepted our ride, and from the moment we got in, his warmth and kindness stood out. He bonded with my daughters, played music that everyone enjoyed, and drove us with care and professionalism. His car was cozy, the atmosphere lively, and as we chatted, I discovered he was heading in the same direction we were, with an errand just along our street. The connection felt serendipitous, as if it had been written in the stars.

That moment, after countless canceled rides and mounting frustration, hit me deeply. In that sea of rejections, one driver was looking for us just as much as we were looking for him. It was a poignant reminder that sometimes, what we perceive as elusive and out of reach is already aligned with us, waiting for the right moment to appear.

A similar example unfolded on a global scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses, schools, and families shifted to remote communication, Zoom became a lifeline for connection. While video conferencing tools were not new, Zoom’s focus on user-friendly technology and scalable infrastructure meant it was perfectly aligned with the world’s sudden and urgent needs. The company didn’t rush into prominence; instead, it had quietly prepared, and when the time came, it rose to meet the moment. Zoom’s success during this period illustrates the beauty of being ready and aligned for the right opportunity.

This idea also ties back to the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:11: "In His time, God makes everything beautiful." Just as a flower blooms in its season or the stars align at the perfect moment, so too do opportunities and successes unfold in our lives when the timing is right. It’s a reminder that patience and trust in the process are not in vain; the things meant for us will come to fruition in their perfect time, often exceeding our expectations.

This experience took me back to the story of Joseph in Egypt. Despite his struggles—betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit—Joseph's unique skillset became the key to his freedom. His ability to interpret dreams and manage food supplies during a famine set him apart and made him the perfect candidate for a role that not only liberated him but ultimately saved an entire nation.

Much like Joseph, life sometimes requires us to trust that what we need will show up when the time is right, even when it seems elusive. Our skills, our purpose, and our path will align when we are ready, and the right people, situations, and opportunities will find us—just as that driver did.

As we move into the new year, let's remember that some of the things we are striving for are already making their way to us. But let us also prepare ourselves and keep refining our skills, character, and vision as we wait. After all, success is where opportunity meets preparation. Sometimes, the most beautiful things happen when we stop forcing them and simply allow them to come to us in their own time.

#SuccessfulLiving #Lifelessons #ArtOfLife #Patience #Alighnment #2025