Wistfulness is an ache of the heart that is perhaps beyond words. It is a sadness, a hope. Often, it is a longing for meaning, a yearning for something beyond your current reality. It is sometimes seen when reflecting on a life that has been broken by abuse or by the folly of your own decisions. It can be a longing for healing and hope.
Wistfulness is a disquiet of the soul.
Maybe you’ve heard a story about a holy man, someone who has earned the reputation for bringing hope to broken people. Maybe you’ve heard he’s around but have never stopped to talk with him.
There’s a story about a blind man begging at the city gates of Jericho who wouldn’t shut up when he learned that Jesus was passing by (Mark 10:46–52). He wouldn’t let the opportunity go where he might meet with Jesus and be healed. He was wistful for what might be, and seized the moment to reach out to Jesus.
What is the opposite of wistfulness? I think perhaps it is “hardness of heart”. Certainly, hardness of heart would suppress wistfulness.
When I see evidence of wistfulness in someone I’m speaking to, I know I’m seeing a crack in the shell they have constructed around their convictions and preconceptions. Even if it is just for a moment, I’m seeing a vulnerability, an honesty of the heart––an ache.
The British theologian, John Stott, wrote a book called The Contemporary Christian.[1] In it he speaks of a television interview with Marghanita Laski. Marghanita was an English journalist and social commentator who was an outspoken atheist. In a moment of candour, she said: “What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness.”
I think we see in her comment an element of wistfulness.
No one meets God without humility, a humility that allows wistfulness, and looks––even for a moment––at the possibility of peace and hope.
Moments of wistfulness are precious. They are honest moments… and they are moments you can meet with God if you invite him into your space. The most extraordinary and transformative things happen if you do.
Honesty and humility are the key. Enjoy the adventure.
[1] John Stott, The Contemporary Christian(London: IVP, 1992).
