It occurred to me that I haven't done a proper Sunday post for a few weeks. I was sitting in church this morning, waiting for the Mass to start, when I read something on the front of the bulletin which struck a chord with me.
Despite the fact that I try to make light of what's happening around here, my life really is in a state of flux at the moment. It's a bit like living in continual limbo. I seem to be playing a waiting game, and other than wait, and hope for an outcome which suits everybody, there's not a lot I can do about it.
So I was quite uplifted to read this. See what you think - it might be what you needed to hear today as well:
In ancient Israel the almond was known as the 'Watchful Tree' (Jer. 1:11) because it was the first tree to flower - the earliest sign of Spring. Patience is not a very fashionable quality in our fast-paced world of goals and deadlines. Most men persue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it. And it's well worth rediscovering the art of slowing down. Growing flowers, plants or herbs from seed is a good way to learn patience, because you can't hurry the seasons. Just as the Israelites watched the almond tree for the first signs of life, so you must wait for nature to do her work. So much goes on beneath the bark and below the soil that we can't see. The lesson is that the key to patience is faith. 'Strengthen your patience with understanding' wrote St. Peter Damien, 'and look forward serenely to the joy that comes after sadness'. And indeed, after the long winter, comes the almond blossom. When you see the first signs of life emerge from the soil, or the first flowering of the year, say a prayer of thanks that your waiting and watchful patience have been rewarded.
Caroline Hodgson
15 comments:
I hope things work themselves out for your soon and your patience is rewarded.
You're right - that's very thought provoking, and I definitely see how it struck you.
You know, I've read your blog all this time for the fun, because your sense of humor and outlook are such a breath of fresh air. But behind the scenes, I am constantly thinking about the serious and not-so-fun stuff, and just know that I'm hoping and praying for you and the family for a good outcome.
Now come get all your awards back so you can give 'em out again! ;-)
Bravo! I copied the patience message into an e-mail for a friend who is due to give birth soon and she's suffering from impatience. The words just fit.
May your patience be richly and rightly rewarded as well.
blessings,
JOT
Yes, patience. Not my biggest virtue by far. We must practice patience--and practice is the key word here. Like practicing piano.
I haven't had a good look at our bulletin yet. I opened it at church and discovered that I was scheduled to lector. Oops! Better scramble back to the sacristy and see what's up for today. Of course, there is no excuse as I am the scheduler.
So, patience. Everything works its way through and comes out in the end. Blessings on you dearest.
I so much need reminding to be patient and not to rush things. Hope things will work out for you and your family in time.
Patience is definitely not one of my better qualities ... I liked that comparison of patience to faith .. another of my short comings .. things to think about ... thanks Jackie .. :-D Daryl
I am learning that I must wait for things, no matter what. I can wait with faith and a peaceful attitude - which equals patience - or I can wait with a bad attitude. Since I must wait, anyway, it is certainly a more pleasant journey if I do so with a pleasant, patient attitude.
Easier said than done, though!
--r
It is often only when events are finally resolved that we see that God was always at the helm. Not that I'm any good at the old patience lark, but I'm getting better.
Jackie.... that is JUST what I needed to hear. Thank you for reminding me!
Jackie, patience is a quality that seems to be lost in hustle of our day to day lives. I think that's why I feel so at home with animals and growing vegetables, it's nature and cannot be hurried. Patience truly is a virtue. Thanks Jackie. Pud x
Dearest jackie, Praying that the Lord will bring you out of this trying time.
Patience is a quality I need much of myself.
I HAVE LEArnt from my garden.I plnted my green pepper last Nov. And they a yeilding a small crop now. We had to keep away white ants too.
Very uplifting and lovely!
Very good reminder. I was admiring all the Spring greenery in my neighborhood this weekend and it occurred to me that it wasn't that long ago that everything was drab and cold, and how impatient I was for Spring to arrive. Now that its here I already find myself taking it for granted. We humans are strange creatures. :)
The key is definitely faith. And you have it Jackie. Hang in there.
Patience is a virtue. Balances out all my vices!
Great post. *hugs*
Patience is not a easy virtue but it certainly has its rewards.
Post a Comment