Patience

The whole scenario of our Advent celebrations includes the requirement of patience. Patience is not something we need to ask for, it is simply a practice of waiting without anxiety. The promises of God are guaranteed. The initiatives of God are on His timetable, not our own. The relationship of faith allows us patience in anticipation and joy as we look forward to Christ’s coming again. Our preparations in the present are essential to the capacity of exercising patience in our world.

Long lines of holiday shoppers, time-pressured travelers, and often seemingly harried efforts to “cram” all the preparations for these holidays into ever smaller blocks of time is more of a cultural effect than a God-intended one. Patience is called for nonetheless…as a witness of grace in a world with too little of such offerings. Patience is also an experience, shaped in thoughtful reflection and remembrance of God’s peace and presence with us. In the midst of busy moments, take pause, share a smile, a warm greeting, a friendly nod and consider again the meaning of worship and your actions as a part of doing just that…anywhere, anytime…with thankful hearts remembering and sharing God’s love.

Encouragement

It is amazing what actions of encouragement can mean to others. The smallest measure of intentional caring and help can mean so very much. Sometimes it has nothing to do with a material need, but a word offered at a critical moment. The gift of expressed gratitude, a simple thank you, a kindness that lightens a load or offers a support of meaningful presence – all are received in ways that multiply their importance to a life and a purpose outlined by God for each of us.

A missionary friend reminded me recently that discouragement is a part of his daily environment. Response is limited, the conditions are harsh, and the results are seldom measurable…yet the calling of God upon his life continually reminded him of his mission and daily purpose.

In similar ways, we all face some measure of challenge in our daily pursuit of that calling of God. Even success has its own set of consequences to face and to be tested by. Each of us has the capacity to be builders, encouragers, uplifting others in their daily walk or we can be the constant critics, the opposition force, the excluder and enemy. We choose who we will be and our words and actions often identify our stance.

If ever there is a battle to be won, it is the battle for hope and truth and grace received. It is the measure of forgiveness and blessing that, when received in Christ, becomes the fountain from which we are able to pour out ourselves to love others. The encouragement we offer is the expression of God’s love made known to us in the person of Christ Jesus our Lord and overflowing from our hearts to be shared with others.

Snapshots

I enjoy being the “candid” photographer for family events and special occasions. My strategy is to take a lot of pictures and some of them are bound to turn out well. Perhaps we find ourselves living with that kind of hope…that in all the many undertakings of life, if we do enough stuff, maybe some things will turn out well.

I think of other perspectives, however, that may remind me that the expert photographer may be the one to plan and organize and prepare for a special photograph for a long period of time. There may be a specific sight, coupled with the precise lighting provided at a certain time of day, coupled with the correct exposure of the camera, along with an appropriate type of developing technique. The finished product may require enlargement and the setting may indicate a certain form of framing. All in all the results may be similar…both types of effort-- whether the candid photographer or the expert may result in a photograph that portrays an event or moment or object that warrants reflection and provides pleasure. Instinctively, I would consider the fact that the aim of the professional would achieve a more significant outcome…one that is more pleasing, and honoring of the photographers efforts.

Could it be that if we too took the time, and gave ourselves more wholly to the tasks that God calls us to be party to, that we would honor Him with greater outcomes and more far-reaching benefits. I think the preparation of prayer, the study of scripture, the anticipation of divine leading, and the earnest pursuit of those things that God inspires will indeed yield the greater benefit and be found more pleasing to God.

Whether in stewardship of resources or time or relationships, where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. To whom much is given, much is required. When long ago two brothers brought gifts to God, one gift was deemed good and worthy, the other less so. What makes the difference…the attitude with which we approach God, the attitude with which we purposefully plan and intentionally give to honor Him, or something more…the desire of our hearts, the will of our minds, the passion of our pursuing of those divinely inspired initiatives called for by our Savior.

• In a time of war…blessed are the peacemakers.
• In a time of trial…blessed are those that escape by the guidance of Christ.
• In a time of pain…blessed are those that find in Christ healing and health for their souls.
• In time of fear…blessed are those that cast out fear by calling upon the name of the one to be feared and loved and honored…Christ Jesus our Lord.

Those are pictures worth remembering.