Lord,
I should have known it would happen,
the weather has been too unpredictable,
here and there:
where I begin and
where I want to go.
They've made promises —
the airline personnel,
harassed, blameless,
intent on preserving a
carefully-constructed image
that only adds to the tension.
Arrangements will be made:
if not today, tomorrow.
For the moment, expectation supplants
patience.
We investigate, explore the airport,
seeking distractions, one ear
cocked for an announcement.
Then we are bused off
to overnight accommodations,
with food vouchers in one hand,
luggage in another,
and turbulent emotions in our hearts.
Patient and kindly Lord,
I would learn patience, today.
"All things are passing," St. Teresa said.
When this disappointment has passed,
let patience take root in me.
Grant that I may go forward, again,
in peace.
Amen.
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. . . . See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
— James 5: 7-10