Friday, November 27, 2020

Today’s reflection is written by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“O Lord, all my longing is known to you; my sighing is not hidden from you.” —Psalm 38:9

“You know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” —James 1:3

Yesterday was Thanksgiving and a reminder that I have so much to be thankful for! Thank you, Lord! Yet mixed in with all my gratitude is a bit of impatience and frustration that we are still dealing with the COVID virus and its toll on our lives and on the lives of all around us. Why Lord, why are we still dealing with this?

In an age of instant gratification, it is hard sometimes to be patient. That patience gets tested even further if you are unemployed or underemployed and struggling to make ends meet, or if you or someone you love is ill. Or it could be something else that you long to happen, but it still eludes you. Waiting can feel like a test of faith. Sure, God could solve all our problems with a blink of an eye and does perform miracles at times, but if he did this all the time, what would we learn? God wants us to learn to work together and help each other. He wants us to show kindness and caring and compassion for one another. And carrying the yoke of Jesus does build strength and endurance and teaches us patience.  

So, Lord, I am thankful that my sighs are not hidden from you and that you know my heart and my worries. But most of all, I am grateful that no matter what I face in my life, both good and bad, you are there with me. And for that, I will always be grateful. Amen.