Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
James 5:7–8

“Pack your patience.” I have heard the mantra over and over again as the media reports on the heavy holiday travel expected this year. How sad is it that a major media campaign needs to remind us to be patient for a few minutes or hours in a crowded situation. James is reminding us to be patient over months and seasons, like a farmer. With the COVID pandemic, we have had to be patient with each other and expectations for more than a year and a half. In God’s timing we are required to be patient lifetimes, centuries, millennia . . . it is not an option . . . James tells us we MUST be patient. What an interesting perspective as we take a minute to focus on God’s grace and the true meaning of Christmas. This advent season, I encourage you to set a daily reminder to “pack your patience” as you wait in a line, wrap your presents, drive across town, prepare for chaotic get-togethers and make your travel plans.

Prayer: A Prayer for Patience and Understanding: Dear Lord, please help me. I lay before you my tiredness and ask for new energy. I lay before you my frustration and ask for more patience. I lay before you my resentment and ask for peace. I lay before you my judgement and ask for inspired understanding. I lay before you my anger and long to be forgiving. Please help me, dear Lord.

Carol Pozuc,
a companion in Christ