unexpected

It has been an unexpected week (well, the week itself was not unexpected, but the events of the week were), so I have chosen the quote for today accordingly.

There is a popular American proverb that people like to quote, especially when something unexpected (and usually unwanted) happens:

"Everything happens for a reason."

And these words can begin to sound very trite, like a bit of canned comfort food, which isn't really very comforting at all. The intent is well-meaning, but the words are seemingly empty...because really, don't we want to know what that reason is?

So, I add a second quote to accompany the proverb:

"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble."-Plautus

I think that, taken together, these quotes become more meaningful. If we have patience in the midst of the trouble or unexpected events, we often discover the reason or need for what has happened...or, even if the reason never becomes clear to us, we may at least find the good that can come of the situation.

Lord, grant me patience.

And with patience, let there be peace.