Waiting for the Helper

“I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:12-15

Last night we went to get some groceries for my Mom and then stopped to have a bite to eat in a little place next to the store. When we were coming out to our car, another woman was coming out of the grocery store and putting groceries in her car. As we got closer, we saw that she was putting her groceries in our car. Two cars parked next to each other, looking very similar, and in the dark almost indistinguishable. When we got to our car and she realized her mistake, she was mortified. We told her not to worry, and the three of us laughed about it. She was in a hurry t get home to her kids, running behind, running ragged, hurrying and not looking. We live in a world where the pressure in on, there is no time for anything quiet or reflective and everyone needs more speed.

The disciples were in a hurry to understand what Jesus was really talking about. And Jesus knew that there would be a time of transition and waiting for them. Even then, it was something they did not want to deal with, waiting and not knowing. Being patient as God brought things together, when understanding, faith and spirit would be woven together into one strong fabric. They wanted simple answers in their now, and we want the same. We are invited today to be people of reflection and waiting. In this Easter season, we are invited to continue the celebration of resurrection and trust that God is doing even more for us, strengthening us, body, mind and spirit.

Today, I ask God to give me an extra measure of patience, with myself especially and the people around me. I ask God to give me a sweet waiting spirit, a heart that will gentle welcome all, rather than rushing by to some self-set goal. May my words and actions be an invitation to others, to breath more slowly and wait upon God. For God has promised us blessing upon blessing, new spirit and new life.