In the beginning…
Life was fulfilled in the garden. There was no desire to venture as God had supplied all that was needed. His goodness was evident in all of creation therefore God was easily found.
Today we live in a world of distractions which can veer our focus off the prize set right before us. We are looking for instant gratification in a hurry up and wait environment.
We are all waiting for something. Perhaps we are preparing for a happy event or looking forward to a special occasion. Maybe we are working hard to improve our job status. Many of us are in a challenging season of care-giving or just waiting for an expectant change.
Why are we so anxious? When are we truly satisfied?
Patience is a Virtue
Generational influence may have some effect on our level of patience. Elders seem to be more complacent in waiting than young adults and we experience different phases of waiting in our lifetime. As we age, we may try to become more docile in hopes to grow old gracefully. For some of us, practicing the virtue of patience can be very hard work! Yet we all know special people who have the patience of a saint!
When we find ourselves in a pause of productivity, in a rut of everyday routine, or just caught in a traffic delay are we easily frustrated? Of course, some things are simply out of our control. But what we can control is our reaction. When we are feeling impatient, perhaps we might ask for God’s perspective. He is all knowing and therefore may reveal what we need to see at any given time.
Our first response may be to grudgingly complain or plug into our mindless mobile devices. Instead of ‘killing time’ why not look for ways to 'grow in faith'? We are in constant change and this trial is an opportunity to increase in virtue. When we become more deeply aware of God’s friendship, we may notice a new enthusiasm for how we will want to fill this time we find so challenging. There are many paths to encounter God. Trust in His presence and simply communicate with Him. Be creative! He loves to respond when we sincerely call upon Him!
God meets us where we are.
There is nowhere to run from Our Lord and therefore He continues to be easily found.
If we follow His ways more closely, we will begin to experience the peace of mind only God can give. In our Baptism, as God’s children, we are given gifts of the Spirit (Isaiah 11:1,2) They are designed to spiritually transform us more clearly into the image and likeness of Our Heavenly Father. As with any gift, the Giver delights when seeing the recipient use and enjoy his well thought out gift!
Do we appreciate this grace-filled inheritance so freely and lovingly planted within us? When we prayerfully acknowledge and practice the use of these gifts (Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, e.g.) we will begin to bear the good fruit of the same Spirit we long for. (Gal 5:22,23) We will find ourselves being more patient, more kind, more loving. God always gives us what we need but we help ourselves immensely when we employ what He has already supplied.
We are all on our way to somewhere…
with Heaven as our ultimate destination.
Let’s relax and enjoy the ride!
Whatever road you are on or season you are in, I urge you to pause now and then, and remember God walks every step with you. Why not share your thoughts, your concerns or joyful anticipation with the One who truly knows THE WAY! Get to know your Divine Director. Acknowledge His gifts and use them with great gratitude!
You may not be far from the Peace of mind you seek.
You may find you have already arrived.
Blessings to all…
Until our next walk through the garden…
- Anne
Out here in Montana (God's Country), it sure is a lot easier to find that Peace of Mind! No hustle and bustle, hurry up to get no where......and I see that a lot clearer being gone from it for almost 7 years!