orthodoxgladness:

Like an enormous ocean, like great rivers and valleys, may the Lord grant us so much patience. The grace of patience is the strongest grace, because patience is at the foundation of all virtues. We cannot perform a single virtue without patience. – Blessed Makrina of Portaria

I had to let go of my conception of life. My own mental construct that there will be peace in my life like the small rythimic movements of the waves in the distance. Movement in subtle harmony. And in the sounds of the waves I would rest.

This is not the life that God has given me. The path that God has given me goes directly to Golgatha. Through streets. Up hills. Passing through throngs of onlookers. Some shaking their heads. Some spitting. Some screaming. Some crying.

There is only this path He has given. And from the top of the hill, lifted up, I can’t even see the water.

Just the dust.