Seven Spiritual Gifts of Waiting

by Holly W. Whitcomb

In America, waiting presents an enormous challenge.We are impatient, "fix-it" kinds of people - and not allsituations can be fixed. This book presents seven spiritualgifts that waiting can teach Patience, Loss of Control, Live in the Present, Compassion, Gratitude, Humility, and Trust in God. An excellent resource during times of waiting within the church year including Advent and Lent, the book includes spiritual exercises and reflection questions for personal or group use as well as a retreat design.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Amy]

I read this as a Lenten study book on 2021, for the joint group with the parish in Wales. Short, simple and excellent. It talks about the spiritual gifts of waiting in an easy to read and absorb way. The gifts are: patience, loss of control, living in the present, compassion, gratitude, humility and trust in God.

[Pam]

Holly Whitcomb raises truths that I will return to many times for guided direction. Reading this during Covid-19 represents merely one example of a chapter in life that requires a long commitment, glitter-sprinkled with opportunity.

[Joyce]

love this book highly recommend it

[Eric]

This little book has a lot of gems of 'Waiting' throughout. Some is a bit cliche, but in context, is quite useful.

Some of the earlier chapters seem to carry more weight for me, though each ends with a Spiritual Practice section, reviewing the gift / chapter and helping with implementation.

At the end of the book, she offers ways to do this as a group study, with 4-session and 7-session guidelines, and even full day retreat version, which would be quite powerful!

The overall material is 4-Stars, but the Spiritual Practices and guidelines for study bring it to a solid 5-Star book. ;-)

[Naomi]

This meditation guide may be used effectively during the season of Lent, from Advent through Christmas, and for retreats. I particularly appreciate the guidance at the end for using this book with groups and in a structured retreat. Books like these are meant to draw the reader into prayer, wrestling reflection, and resistance. The idea that waiting can have spiritual gifts can challenge many of us, especially if we've been waiting our whole lives for justice or to be truly seen and heard. What does active waiting mean? How do we cultivate hope and calm and steadiness so we have the energy to share our spiritual gifts, to keep working for what really matters, to love boldly all our lives? Recommended for individual and small group study, and for community retreats.

[Glenn]

A very though provoking book. The last few chapters seemed to lose a little steam, but over all it is a good time investment.

[Joyce]

Good retreat book

[Mary]

My go-to book for comfort and spiritual wisdom.

[Kim]

Good book if you are in a period of waiting for things to change or clarity on the right path to take.

[Alicia Snyder]

Using the analogy of "eat the meat and spit out the bones," this book has some pretty big bones, but some pretty good meat clinging to them. I can't come close to wholeheartedly recommending it, but it has some really good thoughts and quotes that kept me reading to the end.