He's a very patient animal. The footpaths and roads are icy this morning so Eliot is content to wander around the frosty back garden when any hope of a morning walk has gone. We've not had any fresh snow but temperatures have remained low enough to freeze solid the little bit that is lying since the Sunday before Christmas. To learn patience from a dog seems an odd lesson but he'll sit for hours waiting for the mouse to appear from behind the skirting board or stay at you knee for the crumb that you'll save as a treat for him. Of course, Eliot understands "now" just as clearly as do we humans and will bounce to the door if he thinks a journey is possible. But, if he's not going out, then he's content to curl up in a basket or at the bottom of the stairs and just wait until his owner returns.
Today's lesson for me is: patience! "Plan B" is grand if "Plan A" isn't possible today. Sometimes it is okay to wait, and wait. and wait. Those things that I'd like to change at once may have to wait until "tomorrow" or until conditions are right. That's fine - just find joy in the present moment and be content.
Almighty and everlasting God:
Increase in us your gift of faith
that, forsaking what lies behind,
we may run the way of your commandments
and win the crown of everlasting joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Collect of the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity)
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