Michelle Busitzky is a member of Grace Lutheran and participates regularly in the Zoom prayer gathering and was a member of the Call Committee.
Patience has never been my strong point. (Raise your hand if you can relate!) In fact, on my kindergarten report card my teacher said I was a good student, but I tended to “work too fast and make a lot of mistakes.” Honestly, I still struggle with that all these years later.
Lately, practicing patience has been even more of a struggle for me. Our church, our community, our state, our nation and our world are facing challenges that are pushing us into unchartered territory. We want quick answers. We’re anxious. We feel compelled to DO SOMETHING! There’s a sense of restlessness.
Restlessness often leads to action and change, and that can be a good thing. As Christians, we’re frequently called to action. We’re the hands and feet of Jesus, right? And serving God by serving others is a vital part of our faith. This is especially true today.
But the Christian story is also one of patience. Of peace. Before celebrating the birth of Christ at Christmas, we’re asked to practice patient hopefulness during advent. During lent, we’re asked to quietly sit with the uncomfortable knowledge that we’re all sinners, and to consider what Jesus endured for our forgiveness. Only after that do we celebrate Easter and the good news of Christ’s resurrection. The fourth commandment reminds us of the importance of regular worship, but it also reminds us to rest. And Psalm 46:10 tells us “Be still and know that I am God.” This verse speaks to me in these times. In fact, I have a bracelet imprinted with those words that I like to wear on my “really restless” days. It reminds me of the value of rest. And patience. And it reminds me that God often speaks to us in moments of intentional stillness.
What does it mean to “be still”? The Merriam-Webster online dictionary says that being still can mean being “devoid of or abstaining from motion.” It can also mean being “free from noise or turbulence.” Maybe to “be still” means to quiet our mind, body and spirit.
And what about to “know”? What does that mean? The online dictionary defines it as “to have understanding of,” or “to be acquainted or familiar with.” Isn’t that something we all hope for in our ongoing journey of faith and our relationship with God – to become more familiar with Him?
I’m so grateful for all the action of the people of Grace during these times! Despite the challenges, so many of us have worked to continue our mission of serving God by serving others. This hasn’t gone unnoticed. As we continue that important work, I pray that we also enjoy moments of intentional stillness and the knowledge that God is always with us. Peace (and patience) be with you!
