Trust in the Slow Work of God
Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything
to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something
unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
that it is made by passing through
some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances
acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give God the benefit of believing
that his/her hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
gradually forming within you will be.
Give God the benefit of believing
that his/her hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.
~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ
This poem is going to be the focus of our Lenten reflection at church for the next forty days. One line seems fitting as I sit in God's Country overlooking the rolling plains of my dad's back yard. "We are quite naturally impatient in everything/to reach the end without delay." The last couple of days has been emotional and tiring although I need to remind myself of those who are feeling real pain and anguish during this time of mourning. As I want to help and comfort, I also want to remain out of the way and not hover. My nature it to be impatient and craves some action. These days have required patience and stillness. Maybe this is fitting for Lent.
Today I give thanks for...
1) warmer weather (not warm, warmer)
2) long time friends
3) unexpected greetings
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