“Above all trust in the slow work of God. Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give our Lord the benefit of believing that His hand is leading you and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.”
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
This past weekend, I woke up to anxiety clinging to me like a wet blanket. The day before I felt confident and on the right path in life. That morning, however, I felt like I was questioning the entirety of all my life’s choices. Doubt became a heavy fog blocking my way. And, for whatever reason, I decided to focus on every wrong decision I had ever made.
We had much to do on this particular day, and I tried to shake off the rising panic. Where on earth had these feelings come from, I wondered. I was doing well till I suddenly burst into tears on the way to a kid’s event. My husband Garrett was driving and he pulled over wondering what on earth was going on. We sat on the side of the road, and he rubbed my back as I told him all my worries and fears. I just cried and cried. This is very unlike me. Despite my anxiety, I am normally a happy-go-lucky person. But, at that moment, I needed to be vulnerable.
When I calmed down, he took me to get breakfast and headed to a bookstore for some retail therapy. We went to the event and her team won first place. I felt better, though still a bit fragile.
I had sent an email to a mentor at Wisdom Tree Collective seeking advice earlier in the week, and I read her reply. Toward the end of the email she stated, “It sounds like you are doing all of the right things, Katie. Now it’s time to trust in the slow work of God!”
The slow work of God.
I sat with this idea for a moment.
Trusting in the slow work of God can be a challenging concept to grasp in our fast-paced world. Even with all my spiritual direction and mindfulness classes, I still find myself rushing through life, seeking immediate results and gratification. I prefer immediate results. However, there is wisdom in taking a step back and embracing the unhurried process of God’s work.
Instead of focusing on my imperfections and mistakes, I refocused on God. I remembered the importance of patience, perseverance, and faith. I then chose to trust in the slow work of God.
The Power of Patience
Patience is not merely the ability to wait; it is the virtue of remaining calm and composed while waiting. This can be difficult at times. When or if anxiety hits, feel free to talk to a trusted individual and let it all out. Take time for some self-care. And don’t forget to take it to God.
In a world that demands instant solutions, practicing patience can feel counterintuitive. Yet, the slow work of God often requires us to wait and trust in His perfect timing. Just as a seed takes time to grow into a beautiful flower, God’s plans for us unfold gradually. By embracing patience, we can develop a deeper understanding of His purpose and experience true fulfillment.
Perseverance through Challenges
Life is full of challenges that test our faith and patience. We may face setbacks, obstacles, or moments of doubt along our journey. However, it is during these times that trusting in the slow work of God becomes even more crucial. Just as a sculptor meticulously carves a masterpiece, God is shaping us through every challenge we encounter. By persevering and remaining steadfast, we allow His work to take shape in our lives, leading us towards growth and transformation.
The Role of Faith
Faith is an integral part of trusting in the slow work of God. It is through faith that we believe in His unseen plans and promises. When we face uncertainties or delays, our faith reminds us that God has a purpose in every season. Like a tapestry being woven, God’s plan for our lives unfolds thread by thread. It is through faith that we can find comfort and strength in His divine timing, even when it feels difficult to comprehend.
Embracing the Present Moment
Trusting in the slow work of God also encourages us to embrace the present moment. Oftentimes, we become so fixated on the destination that we forget to appreciate the journey. Each step we take, no matter how small, is an opportunity for growth and learning. By being fully present, we can recognize the beauty and significance of every moment, even in the midst of waiting. As William Shakespeare once said, “How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?”
In a world that values quick results and instant gratification, it is essential to take time to trust in the slow work of God. Through patience, perseverance, faith, and embracing the present moment, we can find solace in His divine plan. Let us remember that just as a masterpiece cannot be rushed, God’s work in our lives unfolds gradually, intricately, and with purpose. So, take a moment to trust in the slow work of God, for in doing so, we open ourselves to His transformative power and experience the true beauty of His timing.
Remember, great things take time. Trust in the slow progress of God.
Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin
Patient Trust
“Above all, trust in the slow work of God.
We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.
We should like to skip the intermediate stages.
We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.
And yet it is the law of all progress
that it is made by passing through some stages of instability—
and that it may take a very long time.
And so I think it is with you;
your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,
let them shape themselves, without undue haste.
Don’t try to force them on,
as though you could be today what time
(that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will)
will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit
gradually forming within you will be.
Give Our Lord the benefit of believing
that his hand is leading you,
and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself
in suspense and incomplete.”
More Information:
Sacred Journey – Thought, Word & Deed (katierea.com)
Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin – Ignatian Spirituality
Quotes about Slow work (56 quotes) (quotemaster.org)
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