Those who know me VERY well know patience is a virtue that I find quite lacking in myself. Since early February I've been in a small group Bible study entitled, "Experiencing God." It's been educational & a bonding experience with my peers. We're all members of the local Episcopal church, but there's a diverse array of Christian traditions represented, from former Southern Baptists to lapsed Roman Catholics, a former Lutheran, a friend who joined the church after her daughter joined the youth group with one of my sons, & myself (the only native Yankee Episcopalian from the high church tradition).
With that in mind, & with a nod to my constant quip regarding St. Augustine's maxim, "The reward for patience is more patience," is that God needs to hurry up & deliver (!), I present two teachings I received from an Orthodox Christian priest e-friend, which figuratively whacked me in the noggin in the past week or so:
Meekness is the buttress of patience, the door, or rather the mother of love, and the foundation of discernment, for it is said, "The Lord will teach the meek his ways." (Psalm 24:9) It prepares us for the forgiveness of sins,; it is boldness in prayer; an abode of the Holy Spirit. But to whom shall I look? Even to him that is meek and quiet. (Isaiah 66:2)
St. John Climacus (of the Ladder)
Be patient, my child, be patient. It is for us to acquire humility that we are allowed to be tempted. These are medicines which cure our sick souls. Rejoice that God is caring for your wounds. Bless him that he considers you his child and disciplines you in order to teach you wisdom from his law. "Blessed is the one whom you will discipline and teach," and "What son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline you are illegitimate and not sons." (Hebrews 12:7-8) But our temptations testify that we are children of God, and this is cause of much joy and honor. So take courage, my child. "Wait patiently for the Lord and do good." (Psalm 26:14)
Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain (Mt. Athos, Greece)
So much for patience in abundance. More like, "hurry up and wait," huh? *sigh* Better luck in the coming years, I hope!
1 comment:
patientce and your quotes on humility and meekness. You may need to work on those a bit your no more meek than I am.
Patientce on the other hand I learned in college. If you learned nothing else that should be on the top of the list. What did you do in College. Well hurry you are not allowed to be late and then stand in line and wait your turn. This was for signing up for classes. Getting food. buying books going to the bathroom. You pick it you waited. I have been too busy not to be patient. However sitting in the Hosp. waiting for a friend who spent more than 3 hours in recovery after surgery. Then off to ICU where we had to wait agin to be let in. Now she has to go back in this morning for more surgery. Oh and did I mention I am in no hurry to see this crazy stressful never boring always complicated interestting life of mine come to an end I have plenty of patientce there. Oh well my morning food for thought.
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