Patience

The word patience means the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. In our Catholic Faith, we view patience as the virtue that allows us to endure difficulties, delays, suffering and the faults of others while trusting in God. It reflects the way God lovingly deals with humanity.

When I left the seminary, I was in love with a woman who broke up with me shortly after I left. Notwithstanding that disappointment, I felt God was still calling me to married life, yet I could not seem to find that special someone whom I was meant to marry.

When I finally met Marilyn, for me it was love at first site. For Marilyn, she needed time to be sure, and so we dated for several years before she said yes to my marriage proposal.

I had a choice when waiting. I could wait and be patient with the woman I fell in love with, or I could move on and try to find someone else. I hung on and, as a result, I have been blessed with the love of my life and a wonderful marriage.

In thinking about this last week, I thought how much more it must be with God. God never grows impatient with us. He is always calling us to a deeper, more loving relationship with Him.

We may not always find that this journey leaves us the feeling or confidence that we are making our intended progress in this regard, but God asks us to persevere. Like in marriage or a special friendship (but ever so much more,) when we do, the reward exceeds our wildest imagination. The way to do this is to surrender our journey to God and leave the rest in His loving hands. 



By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek