The patience of others always amazes me, Lord:
the seeker, patiently searching for truth;
the dreamer, patiently hoping for what’s not yet;
the sick, patiently waiting for healing;
the mother, patiently tending her fussing infant;
the inmate, patiently waiting for freedom,
the athlete, patiently training to win;
the mother, patiently waiting her child’s birth;
the angler, patiently waiting for a bite;
the believer, patiently waiting for consolation;
the potter, patiently working the clay;
the spouse, patiently loving an impatient spouse;
the teacher, patiently guiding a pupil’s progress;
the farmer, patiently waiting for harvest;
the artist, patiently waiting for inspiration;
the student, patiently seeking to learn;
the dying, patiently waiting to pass to you;
the grieving, patiently waiting for solace;
the friend, patiently bearing with an unfaithful friend;
the writer, patiently waiting for words;
the suffering, patiently living with chronic pain;
the parent, patiently nurturing a child’s growth;
my friends, patiently living with my rough edges;
and all the folks patiently dealing with the unknown,
the unpredictable, the unmanageable, the unchangeable;
and of course, you, Lord,
patiently loving my unfaithful self
and forgiving my foolish ways…
Give me patience, Lord,
in my mind and heart,
in my words and deeds:
with those around me,
with my own limitations,
with this day’s troubles
and with your mysterious
and inscrutable ways…
Give me patience, Lord,
and in your mercy be patient with me,
be patient with me today…
Amen.
