Friday, April 23, 2021
Kenneth Hale
Patience
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:7-9 King James Version
This past January, I lived on Borthwick Avenue for over two weeks. A visit to the emergency room propelled me, within hours, to the operating arena for abdominal surgery. The consequences of my circumstances did not become clear until several days later while in the ICU. I was connected to more tubes than I want to remember. A list of domino-like events needed to occur for removal of each. Frustrated by the scary situation, I was nervous and contrary. In a word, fretting myself.
Patience does not come easily to me. Taught from an early age to pursue what I wanted. Strive for that brass ring, study harder, devote more time, all alluding to working hard what one deserves. What did I need to do? Allow my body to recover. Wait, what? Expect my body to recover on its own. That would take forbearance and prayer.
A few nights later between visits from caregivers and phlebotomists, I found myself counting my blessings, and focused that activity to prayer, including a request for patience. My Trauma Surgeon almost immediately noticed a change in me; I was less angry, more relaxed, and had been able to have the most uncomfortable NG tube removed.
Was I resting and waiting patiently for the Lord? Did I forsake wrath? Exhilarating questions for which I still seek answers. I do know that I continued my prayers for dedication and my recovery was swifter than expected.
As a pleasant revelation I am experiencing less ire in settings outside my control as I teach myself 'practicing patience' (although I did not know that expression until recently). The pandemic, the economy, and certain relationships now steal less of my energy. Relating to strangers, lesser-known clients, and even service folks is more satisfying. Seeking patience and understanding that it is necessary to wait for the Lord through prayer, has been an unexpected and rewarding journey.