My Spiritual Wish-List

Do you ever feel impatient waiting on something to happen in your life? I do. It’s often a true struggle to not complain and moan about the waiting, and even not to give up, yet God asks me to be patient.

Trusting in His time, and believing the promise that whatever it is I’m awaiting will be revealed or fulfilled? That’s hard spiritual work. I'm still working on this kind of patience and trust.

Simeon possessed that kind of patience and trust. What a man of faith! He kept showing up, every day, believing in the Lord’s promise. (Luke 2:25) What convinced him, I wonder, to trust in the incredible promise, and what helped him to faithfully wait on the Lord’s timing to meet the Messiah?

We know from the Gospel that the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon (Luke 2:25), and this one verse reveals so much to us about the Holy Spirit. Consider how the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church §§ 1831-45) were at work in Simeon’s life, how fortitude and piety made him ready to have faith, and how patience and faithfulness allowed him to never give up. Think about the joy, peace, and kindness he showed when he finally met the Christ Child.

I want to be like Simeon. I want to trust the Lord, in all the promises He makes to me. I want to bless the Lord, giving Him glory, when I see His work done in my life. I long for the Holy Spirit to be upon me, as well. This is possible for all of us, sisters! In Confirmation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, united more firmly to Christ, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit increase in us! (CCC § 1303).

Is it too much to ask for another gift during this Christmas Octave? Lord, please hear my prayer as my spiritual wish-list grows. Increase my faith, my hope, and my patience in Your promises. Rekindle the fire in my soul. Let me be like Simeon, praising you and waiting faithfully for Your promises to be fulfilled in my life.

Rekindle the fire in my soul.Click to tweet

Let's pray for that increase in faith, hope, and patience today.

Gina Fensterer is a Colorado native at heart, but the West Coast beach life suits her just fine. She currently lives in small coastal area of California with her husband and six children. She loves the Jesus prayer, coffee at any time of day, homemade salsa, photography, and sleepy toddler snuggles. You can find out more about her here.