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Prayer
Grant me patience and patience to wait for more patience. Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 40.1 (ESV)
I waited patiently for the LORD;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
Story
A rabbi and his student spent the night in a hotel. Before the student went to bed for the night, he asked the maid to wake him at dawn, for he had an early appointment. At dawn the student was awakened by a knock at the door. He got up, thanked the maid, and began to dress in the dark, not wanting to awaken the rabbi. In his haste the pupil by mistake put on the rabbi’s clothing rather than his own, including the rabbi’s long coat and distinctive hat. The student shut the door and hurried off toward his appointment. He happened to pass by a mirror on his way. Seeing the image in the mirror, the student let out a yelp. He exclaimed, “That stupid maid! She woke the rabbi instead of me!”
Comments
Haste leads to mistakes and often to failures in perception. We are challenged to be patient when matters seem out of our control. Of course, there is a time to act. But, ironically, sometimes waiting is the best action. In patience and prayer, we seek to discern the wise action. Then, we are more likely to act wisely. Succinctly, waiting and acting are one act.
At times, we might wait too long before proceeding to act, at other times we might not wait long enough. We are not meant to get this waiting and action right all the time. Like all else in life, it is experimental. We learn by doing. We hopefully learn that being a little too patient is better than being too hurried in making important decisions or coming to conclusions. There is nothing like time to give space for matters to clear, so that we see better how to respond to situations.
Reflection
What spiritual practices do you engage that help nurture patience?
Spiritual Exercise
Do prayerful meditation in Silence on Psalm 40.1 as part of your daily Quiet Time.
Use Psalm 40.1 as an affirmation during the day, in times you feel yourself needing to practice patience.
Consider, if you are not already, sponsoring a child through Compassion International. You can find out more about Compassion International by going to www.compassion.net to read about sponsoring, in the name of Jesus, children living in poverty. Thanks! Brian K. Wilcox
To contact Brian, write briankwilcox@comcast.net .
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