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Day 12: The Virtue of Patience in Small Things
“There are things that refuse to be violated by speed, that demand at least their proper time of growth; you can’t, for example, cut out the time you will leave an apple pie in the oven. If you do, you won’t have an apple pie. If you leave a thought, a chance word, a phrase of music, in your mind, growing and cherished for its proper season, you will have the wisdom or peace or strength that was hidden in that seed. In this contemplation there is great virtue in practising patience in small things until the habit of Advent returns to us”
Commentary: Caryll Houselander uses the analogy of baking an apple pie to illustrate the importance of patience in spiritual growth. Just as rushing the baking process would ruin a pie, so too does rushing spiritual insights or growth deprive us of the full fruit they can bring. She encourages us to hold thoughts, words, and inspirations in our minds and hearts, allowing them the time they need to deepen and mature. This practice of patience, even in small things, helps us enter into the “habit of Advent”—a season of waiting and readiness for Christ to manifest more fully within us.
Personal Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you may be tempted to rush. How might embracing patience in this area help you develop a deeper sense of peace or insight? Allow yourself to hold this moment gently, trusting that it will bear fruit in God’s time.
Houselander quote from: Caryll Houselander, The Reed of God, Sheed & Ward, 1944
For more reflections visit:
Caryll Houselander – Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
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