"We do not like to hear the phrase "be patient!" in a world in which being active or achieving is seen as an absolute value. We tend to think that being patient means being passive, doing nothing. But patience can be a very active way of being, which allows us to live in and see the beauty of this moment.
"The modern-day spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, captures this well when he writes: "In today's rush we all think too much, seek too much, want too much and forget about the joy of just being."
The Prophet Habakkuk "slowly learns to allow things to unfold in their own time. He is taught to be patient.
"Patience means to wait, hold back and allow things to unfold. We often want to complete what we are doing. We want to move on and tackle the next task. We hold onto the false notion that getting things done proves we are somehow valuable and worthwhile.
"When we live like this, we can so easily miss the beauty of the moment . . .
"We lose a moment in time, a part of our lives that can never be repeated because once it is past, it is gone.
"When we are impatient, we stand the chance of losing our very selves.
"Today, can you practice living in the beauty of the moment? Like the Prophet Habakkuk, what do you need to let go of for things to unfold in their own time?"
Excerpts from "It will not fail but will be fulfilled in due time. If it delays, wait for it", Jesuit Institute Reflection 29 September 2020, by Fr Russell Pollitt, SJ.
With thanks to Reflections Archives, www.jesuitinstitute.org.za
Lilies - with thanks to free clipart
