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James 5:7-9
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
A few years ago, I decided to take up vegetable gardening. Not only was it a science lesson for my young children, but also a hobby for myself. I was eager to have a bounty from my garden, so I had a schedule for starting my seedlings under grow lights in our basement in late winter. I nurtured them until they grew large enough to start putting outside to acclimate during the day before transplanting. My children and I tended to the plants daily as I dreamed of a successful garden. With time, the tiny seedlings did, in fact, grow into huge plants reaching high to the sun to grow the fruits of our labor.
We had to have patience to grow our garden from seed and we must find patience this holiday season. We need patience with each other in crowded shopping malls, traffic-filled streets, and patience with our emotions as we all greet this season differently - some with limitless excitement and some with sorrow as they miss loved ones.
Dear God, as we anxiously wait for the reminder of the coming of your son and our Savior Jesus Christ, tend to us with loving hands and root our hearts to reach beyond our struggles to your light and love. In your compassion and mercy we pray. Amen.
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