Our 27-year-old son has been in two different hospitals for 10 of the last 11 days. The last three have been in Johns Hopkins Hospital and he'll probably be there yet another four days while they try to figure out what has caused his heart to weaken to the point that it needs help to keep beating. Patience has been something that not only he has needed, but us, his parents have also needed. Today's scripture verse (James 5:8) says, "You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." Our hearts do more than pump blood throughout our bodies. When scripture speaks of the heart it is referring to the "affective center of our being." Whether I'm waiting for my son's good health to return or for the Lord's return, I must be patient. And by trusting God my heart, too, shall be strengthened.
