November 2, 2006

And now, onward with what I've been reading! I would like to write out for you what I read this week in Streams in the Desert, the daily devotional book that my mom gave me after Dad died. I know that many of you deal with many different situations that make it difficult to want to begin each day. May this reading give you the encouragement that I was given. (Oct. 30 reading):

Hebrews 12:1 Let us run with patience. Running “with patience” is a very difficult thing to do. The word “running” itself suggests the absence of patience, or an eagerness to reach the goal. Yet we often associate patience with lying down or standing still………..There is another kind of patience that I believe is harder to obtain – the patience that runs. Lying down during a time of grief, or being quiet after a financial setback, certainly implies great strength, but I know of something that suggests even greater strength – the power to continue working after a set-back, the power to still run with a heavy heart, and the power to perform your daily tasks with deep sorrow in your spirit.

Many of us could tearlessly deal with our grief if only we were allowed to do so in private. Yet what is so difficult is that most of us are called to exercise our patience not in bed but in the open street, for all to see. We are called upon to bury our sorrows not in restful inactivity but in active service – in our workplace, while shopping, and during social events – contributing to other people’s joy. No other way of burying our sorrow is as difficult as this, for it is truly what is meant by running “with patience”.

When all our hopes are gone,

It is best our hands keep toiling on For others’ sake:

For strength to bear is found in duty done;

And he is best indeed who learns to make

The joy of others cure his own heartache.

I want to encourage you, in whatever life is bringing you this week, to run “with patience” – to find those who need you, to bring joy to others. You will make it! I promise you! Just run!!! Thanks so much for your notes, encouragement, and business. We love being here & couldn't be without you! Susan