Women’s Devotion: Patient and Hopeful
Patient and Hopeful
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
James 5:7
Patience. As a former teacher, I always thought I was a pretty patient person. The past year has tested my patience. With COVID fears, civil unrest and the weather, we’ve witnessed times that try our souls. I went through my house and took down every silly-looking snowman. I am tired of their smiles. I thought maybe if I didn’t have to look at them, the snow would just disappear. That is not the way it works in Nebraska.
March is upon us and the season of Lent is here, with the promise of the Resurrection. What is this time trying to tell me? Patience. Wait for it. I haven’t gotten a call to get my vaccine, and even though the snow is thawing, the forecast says there’s possibly more snow coming later on. What does God want me to do? I know I am supposed to appreciate every day, live every day, but when faced with all these challenges, what gives me hope for the future?
Do I replace the snowmen with bunnies? Sure, but does that really help my sullen mood? A little bit. I Googled some ways to give me hope. I found over a billion suggestions! Something had to strike a chord with my psyche. It did. ‘Get over myself’ was coming through loud and clear. Get out there and do good for somebody else. Go outside (when it is not -25 degrees). Connect with people. Look for beauty, in a sunrise, in a child’s face, in the birds’ songs, in music. Do the best I can. Know that this too shall pass. All these trials will build my spiritual stamina. But the best advice is PRAYER. Leave it with God.
Psalm 34:4-7 (MSG) says, “God met me more than halfway, He freed me from my anxious fears. Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God’s angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.”
Dear Lord, let me be happy and full of hope for better days. Help me to be patient when I am weary. Amen.
This month’s devotion is written by a guest writer, Cindy Swanson. Cindy and her husband, Ray, have been members of Sheridan Lutheran Church since 1978. They have three sons, Ben, Andrew and Patrick who were confirmed at Sheridan. They enjoy spending time with their grandchildren who range in age from 4-10. Cindy retired from teaching writing to middle schoolers for Lincoln Public Schools in 2014. She savors a good cup of coffee, a well-written book, a lively discussion and chocolate. She lives near a cemetery and knows each day is a gift!