“God gives us the vision, then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience.”
Oswald Chambers

For Reflection:
How have I done in my “valley” experiences? Has patience kept me steadfast or have I given way so that God’s desires for me have not been accomplished?
(See tomorrow’s Grace Line for another spiritual insight on God’s will, timing, and patience.)

“Hope is patience with the lamp lit.”
Tertullian

For Reflection:
In the face of seemingly impossible circumstances, do I patiently endure with hope or do I give in to discouragement and fear? What one spiritual strategy can I employ to keep my “lamp lit?”

“Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase.”
St. Rose of Lima

For Reflection:
What is the relationship between afflictions and the height of grace? Do I make use of such opportunities or do I rail against them?

“It is a noble achievement for a Christian to have no disputes with anyone. But if by any circumstance or temptation, a dispute arises, let him try to remain composed, even if this means losing.”
Anonymous
(Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)

For Reflection:
How often am I willing to walk away from a confrontation? Do I remain composed by exercising patience? Am I willing to “lose” in charity rather than press my advantage through pride?