Volunteering and the Wait

Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer with the Des Moines Children's Museum through the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. I’ve volunteered for many events before, so I thought I knew what to expect—but this experience was different.

Julie is incredible. Her vibrant enthusiasm filled the entire room. As she shared the plans and vision for the museum, her eyes lit up with excitement—like Christmas morning—radiating possibility and hope for what’s to come.

Even as a guest, you could feel it—that energy, that passion, that genuine desire to create something meaningful. It was contagious.

As we toured the building, it became clear just how much work, time, and energy it will take to open the doors. And yet, for Julie and her team, that opening day can’t come soon enough.

When they mentioned the museum likely wouldn’t open until next spring—and how much they wished it could be sooner—you could sense a quiet disappointment. The kind that comes from wanting something so badly, knowing you simply have to wait.

If you’d like to support this incredible project and help bring it to life sooner, you can donate directly at dsmchildrensmuseum.com.

It reminded me of something my Grandpa Art used to say: “Waiting is hell… and good things come to those who wait. And wait, and wait.”

That idea doesn’t just apply to projects like this—it shows up everywhere.

Running a business is much the same. You put in the hard work, plant the seeds, and then… you wait. Sometimes it takes three to six months—or longer—to see a return on your investment.

Our bodies can be similar. I’ve worked with clients who are searching for answers that feel just out of reach. Massage may ease their pain, physical therapy may help manage it, but the root cause isn’t always immediately clear. Sometimes it’s an underlying issue that takes time—and the right tools—to uncover.

That waiting can be frustrating—for both the client and the therapist. We have so many tools in our toolkit, but occasionally the solution is beyond our immediate control, or it simply takes time for the body to respond.

There are moments when we reach the end of our rope, ready to give up—and then, finally, we find an answer. I encounter situations like this often, and I want answers just as much as my clients do.

At Active Edge Massage and Wellness of Urbandale, the massage therapists take every client seriously. We listen. We care. And we do everything we can to set each person up for success.

We may not always have all the answers right away—but we will always do our best to guide you in the right direction.

Because sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the work—it’s the waiting.