Faith, Work, Patience

The New Year does not last long. And despite its festivities, it is somewhat sobering⎯sobering for many reasons, and in part because of some uncertainties. But sometimes we overemphasize uncertainty. We live with it always and everywhere, and if we were too constantly concerned with the uncertainty of passing and impermanent things, our lives would be forever fearful⎯for all that lies beyond this very instant is in a sense uncertain. And we should have the faith to plan solidly for the future and not overemphasize uncertainty.

Faith is indispensable in any formula for a New Year. Other indispensable elements to be added are work and patience⎯a full measure of each. We must be willing to work without knowing all the outcome in advance. And as to patience, we must be willing to wait for final answers (not to cease the search⎯but not to force or fabricate the answers where they are not in evidence).

So far as this present time is concerned, “Life is a tent for a night,”⎯Emerson observed, but beyond is the infinite and eternal, and as we live according to the best knowledge we have, “doing broad justice where we are, by whomsoever we deal with” in the circumstances in which we find ourselves, and shun false pride and pettiness, the Lord God will see that fairness and justice and equitable opportunity come to each of us; and He will not leave us alone nor let anything be lost, nor any good go unrewarded.

Thank God that there are values that endure always and forever. Thank God for truth, for freedom to search for it, for freedom to accept it; for faith in the eternal future; for patience to wait for the missing pieces to be put in place; for patience to reserve judgment while men argue with one another of things they do not know; for patience to wait for the clouds of speculation to be cleared, for theories to be proved or unproved; patience to wait for the final answers.

God grant us faith, work, patience and a little time to live the goodness of life with our loved ones, to live above the contentious controversies, and to see the eternal certainties beyond the uncertainties, and to walk in prayerful humility with Him who gave us everlasting life and who keeps Creation in its course.