April 9 Righteous Patience Read: Isaiah 26:7-9 One afternoon when I was a child, my grandfather took me with him to visit some folks in the hospital. Really, my grandpa was visiting, while I was supposed to be entertaining myself quietly in the hall. Grandpa went from one patient’s room to next. Yet, as he remained busy, I grew restless. And as my restlessness grew, so did my volume. I was rowdy. By the time we left the hospital, my grandpa was truly upset with me— and let me know. He told me my boisterousness could be, and was, hurtful to grieving families and people in pain. I realized then that my job to stay quiet really was important, and that by not doing my job I had hurt my grandpa as well. By dinnertime, I felt really terrible about my behavior. After dinner I approached my grandpa, apologizing and seeking reconciliation. Of course my grandpa forgave me and wanted to heal our relationship. Yet it wasnt until days later, at the communion rail, that I felt God’s forgiveness—and that forgiveness felt to me like peace. That sense of peace continues to this day: living within God’s forgiveness gives me a heart for quiet moments, moments when restlessness gives way to holiness. Prayer: Gracious God, in your patience clear a path for righteousness, and transform us for your righteous patience, that we may watch for you. For the sake of the one who prayerfully waited in the garden, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. ~Pete Geoffrion Monterey, VA Miss Pam
Posted on: Thu, 10 Apr 2014 01:46:24 +0000
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