Lent Reflection #19: Patience and Waiting

Is that not what Lent is--waiting for the saddest day of the year, and then waiting three days for the happiest?

Although one might argue he wasn't a total orthodox Christian in his time (which may or may not be meaningless), John Milton said it best:

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

   My true account, lest he returning chide;

   “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”

   I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need

   Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best

   Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed

   And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:

   They also serve who only stand and wait.”

A good reminder during our (either self- or government-imposed)  quarantines.