Patience

There is an African proverb that says "Munyal deefan hayre," or translated into English, "Patience can cook a stone." Sometimes my brisket tastes like a stone, does that count?? In a world where seconds are viewed as delays, patience is not easily practiced. The Fulfulde people use this proverb to encourage someone to slow down whom they feel is acting rashly or when a trial or hardship seems to last forever and revenge is an option for consideration. Our demands for patience range from slow-perking coffeepots to microwave cook times, from fingernail polish drying time to air travel delays, from time-honored friendships to instant messaging mishaps. Margaret Thatcher is quoted as saying "I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my way in the end." I'm sure she said it with a smile on her face, but most people do hope that tolerance will be extended to them, while withholding the mercy of patience to others. If patience is honored, and practiced, then like a slowly smoked brisket, the rewards are tangible.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, we are grateful for the patience you bestow on your people who find reasons to delay in responding to your call. Like a child at play being called home, we find reasons to postpone your invitation until we are hungry and cold, seeking reassurance of light and warmth. You welcome us with waiting arms. Let us grow in patience, seeking right relationships instead of quick retorts, seeking the good of the people instead of self-gratification, and seeking sagely wisdom instead of rushed judgment. As Jesus answered on the practice of forgiveness (Matt 18:22), likewise let us share our gift of patience seventy times seven, with our neighbors, our nation, our enemies, and ourselves. Let us also be patient in our church home where love is our greatest common bond, and apprehension is shoved away as an uncommon fracture. Through faith and patience let us become better Christians. Amen.