Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - November 29, 2024
Photo by Cathy Lampert
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from You.”
In reading these reflections you have probably noticed my veneration of parents for the patience they show in rearing their children. Seeing a mother or father shopping and smiling all the while their little one emits screams heard all over the supermarket leaves me awestruck. They are learning or have learned enough patience to qualify for sainthood.
Joan Pierce, a reader of these reflections, suggests another angle to this. Though her qualifications may be a bit exceptional - she is the mother of eight - and now old enough to see her husband showing symptoms of Alzheimer's, she gives us much to think about. With permission and editing, I quote her remarks on the subject.
"I was a mother of eight children and you'd think I would have learned patience. But instead I learned how to fit a lot of needs and wants into a busy schedule while urging us all to 'hurry up'.... Ten years ago, my husband began to show symptoms of Alzheimer's. I didn't worry about patience then, but watched and tried to cope.
Now I have ALS and I find time to be patient. Patient with all the slow old people who react almost as slowly as I do. Patient with all the fast-paced younger ones who want to help. Patient with myself.” Remember her in your prayers.
Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”
