Scripture: James 5:7-10 (NRSV)
In many Western cultures, most focus is placed on the future.
Steps are made toward the future: in science, religion, politics.
You face the future, with the past behind you.
The future is a gust of wind
rushing toward you to become present –
it rolls up and over your shoulders, and suddenly it’s gone.
In the Eastern hemisphere, much more focus is placed on history.
The future acts as wind at your back,
while history is in your line of vision.
You face the past because it’s far more valuable than the future.
You’re able to learn much more from the past.
There is a lot to learn from these interpretations of time.
We’re often looking toward the future without recognizing the past.
In this season of pandemonium and perpetual to-do lists,
let us change the way we look at time.
Let us be patient, and turn away from what the future holds.
Guardian of the seasons,
keeper of every time,
tune us to your rhythms
that we may know
the occasion for stillness
and the moment for action.
– #156 in the “Sing the Journey” songbook
Scripture: James 5:7-10 (NRSV)
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. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.