October 16
They help each other and say to their companions, “be
strong!” Isaiah 41:6
Today, our society promotes instant everything; from instant information to instant food. We are flooded with this instant gratification; it is now our way of life. There is a whole generation that has known nothing other than that. Think about it! We do not even have to wait for a cup of coffee! There is very little need to search information in a library, for all we need to do is get on our computers and the answers we search for are right there! More and more young people though, are looking for answers to their questions – alone, for many reasons. Yet this generation too is faced with the challenges of life that necessitate the virtue of patience as they cope with economic difficulties, job loss or unavailability etc.; and soon learn they need others to accomplish what they set out to do and that some things take time, perhaps even a lifetime.
To “wait” for some things in life to present themselves or come to fruition, enables us to imagine, to long for, and to anticipate with joy - such as the development and birth of a child or creative idea. Waiting for something provides an opportunity for us to look forward with hope. On the other hand, waiting can certainly test our patience, especially during times of illness or pain or when life is not going in the direction we hoped for, and we are ready to give up or give in. Isaiah’s words “be strong!” really come to life then, and it is easy to replace them with today’s words like, "Let me help you." “Hang in there!” “Take it one step at a time.“ or “God is with you!” when we are attempting to encourage or console others. How supported and encouraged we feel when on the receiving end of these words! We learn at a very young age, that we need the company of others to carry on through life, it is instinctual. We need the camaraderie, acceptance, empathy and love. That circle of support is the impetus for growth in all situations.
Waiting for relief from spiritual, emotional and/or physical pain is never easy, and we all cope with one or all of these at one point or another in our lifetime. But with those in our lives who hold us in their arms and prayers during difficult times, we are blessed. God has given them to us so that once again, we are made whole - as God’s light is infused into broken bodies and spirits through actions carried out by loving hearts that say “be strong!” No longer will we have to wait.
Thank you God, for the dear people you have placed in my life who have helped me to “be strong” when I felt like it the least. They helped me become who I am. May I be your hands and a help, to all my “companions”.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
They help each other and say to their companions, “be
strong!” Isaiah 41:6
Today, our society promotes instant everything; from instant information to instant food. We are flooded with this instant gratification; it is now our way of life. There is a whole generation that has known nothing other than that. Think about it! We do not even have to wait for a cup of coffee! There is very little need to search information in a library, for all we need to do is get on our computers and the answers we search for are right there! More and more young people though, are looking for answers to their questions – alone, for many reasons. Yet this generation too is faced with the challenges of life that necessitate the virtue of patience as they cope with economic difficulties, job loss or unavailability etc.; and soon learn they need others to accomplish what they set out to do and that some things take time, perhaps even a lifetime.
To “wait” for some things in life to present themselves or come to fruition, enables us to imagine, to long for, and to anticipate with joy - such as the development and birth of a child or creative idea. Waiting for something provides an opportunity for us to look forward with hope. On the other hand, waiting can certainly test our patience, especially during times of illness or pain or when life is not going in the direction we hoped for, and we are ready to give up or give in. Isaiah’s words “be strong!” really come to life then, and it is easy to replace them with today’s words like, "Let me help you." “Hang in there!” “Take it one step at a time.“ or “God is with you!” when we are attempting to encourage or console others. How supported and encouraged we feel when on the receiving end of these words! We learn at a very young age, that we need the company of others to carry on through life, it is instinctual. We need the camaraderie, acceptance, empathy and love. That circle of support is the impetus for growth in all situations.
Waiting for relief from spiritual, emotional and/or physical pain is never easy, and we all cope with one or all of these at one point or another in our lifetime. But with those in our lives who hold us in their arms and prayers during difficult times, we are blessed. God has given them to us so that once again, we are made whole - as God’s light is infused into broken bodies and spirits through actions carried out by loving hearts that say “be strong!” No longer will we have to wait.
Thank you God, for the dear people you have placed in my life who have helped me to “be strong” when I felt like it the least. They helped me become who I am. May I be your hands and a help, to all my “companions”.
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson