Me: There are two doors to go in.

Prodigal: I am not sure which to take.

Me: Maybe this will help.

How do we find the peace and simplicity we crave in our lives? I think the answer lies in patience and prayer.

We all like to be busy, active, doing; we want to be in control of our lives. But sometimes circumstances force us to accept that we can do nothing. All we can do is be patient and pray.

But notice that life has to force us to this point. We speak as though patience and prayer were a sort of last resort for people who are too weak or too desperate to do anything else. We turn to prayer only when we are alone and undisturbed, and we practice patience only when we have to. After all, most of us would rather have what we want now, not later, and we’d rather be able to get it through our own efforts, rather than wait on God. And so we strive and strive, and our lives become more and more hectic and complicated.

In reality, though, patience and prayer should be our first resort, for they are the tap lines that enable us to find peace even in the midst of life’s busyness and noise. They are the doors that lead us into God’s peace. And they are the lessons that teach us simplicity.

from Keep It Simple by Ellyn Sanna

In your patience possess ye your souls.

Luke 21:19

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org