“Though we speak thus, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things that belong to salvation. For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience (μακροθυμίας) inherit the promises.” (Hebr 6: 9-12)
What promises? The many promises made to us by our Lord, of growth in true life, peace, hope and wisdom, on our cross-carrying journey in communion with Him. ”Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me,” He invites us, “for I am meek and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Mt 11: 28)
So I’m invited to “learn” from Him; to a learning-process, which is gradual. That is to say, it requires both faith and “patience,” as the Apostle reminds me above. In Christ, I learn and grow as I confront the “waves” of my own shortcomings, when I duck under them, into His meekness and humility. Thank You, Lord, for the gift of time, and the grace of Your patience, as we go through the learning-process of our ever-changing issues and challenges. This morning, as I set off for the airport, (as I’m traveling to the US for quite a busy trip), I open my heart to patience, with myself and others, and re-focus on the “better things that belong to salvation.” Glory be to God for all of it. Love to all of you as I travel to DC, and Happy Thursday, Sister Vassa
