O if the things of God were your true delight and pierced your inmost heart, how could you complain even once?
Wait a Little
My child, the burdens you take up for my sake will not break you, rather my promise will strengthen and comfort you in every adversity. I can repay you beyond all measure.
Not for long will you labor on earth, nor will you be oppressed with sorrows forever. Wait a little, and you will see the swift end to your troubles. The hour will come when all toil and trouble will cease. Everything in time is short lived and of little consequence.
Labor with all your might. Loyally work in my vineyard; I will be your recompense. Write, study, worship, mourn, be silent, pray. Bear your crosses bravely; eternal life is worth all these battles and more.
Peace will come at a time that is known to the Master, and it will not last a day or night of the present time, but forever, an unlimited brightness, boundless glory, a settled peace, and sure rest. For death will be cast headlong down, and health will be unfailing, anxiety unknown, joy a blessedness, fellowship sweet and beautiful.
O if the things of God were your true delight and pierced your inmost heart, how could you complain even once? Is not all pain to be endured for the sake of eternal life? It is no small matter to win or lose the kingdom of heaven.
So, lift your face to heaven; behold me, and all my saints, who in this world fought a great fight! Now they rejoice, now they are consoled, now they are safe, now they have rest. Forever they will dwell with me in my Father’s house.
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
Photograph by Ted Martinson Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC
2 replies on “Sabbath Quiet: Wait A Little”
I’ve lost track how many times I’ve read a Kempis. Oh, by the way, Butchart Gardens are in Victoria, not Vancouver. They are a most incredible place to be reminded of the very things of which you write! Thanks for posting.
My apologies to Canada! The gardens are at the top of my bucket list…Thanks, R.