This past weekend I called my sister who lives in South Carolina. She is busy preparing for her family to come home for Thanksgiving. When I called her she didn’t pick up right away. She texted me “I am in the middle of Costco I will call you later”. My immediate thought was “why would anyone in their right mind go to Costco on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving if they didn’t have to?” I sent her a text message telling her she was very brave to be there on the weekend before Thanksgiving. She called me back a while later. “Are you home now?” I said. “No” she said. “I am in the parking lot at Costco waiting to get out.” I laughed and we talked for a while. I finally asked her why she was there? She said lots of people ask her the same thing.

When I heard her response I was taken aback and so proud of her. She told me that she goes on that day because it tests her patience. Everyone is rushing around and busy trying to get things done just like she is. She wants to be the type of person who is kind and patient with others in the midst of the chaos. She said she has great conversations with people who are also preparing for Thanksgiving and she is met with kindness herself.

She got me thinking. What better way to practice living your faith in the world than to be out there being patient and kind with others. That is the kind of LOVE that we need more of in this world. I am so thankful and grateful that she is a living example to all of us who know her.

I have been practicing a different kind of patience. Staying away from the crowds and lighting candles and saying prayers for people all around the world is what I am doing these days. It helps me remain calm and grounded. I too want to be that beacon of light and love in my community. I want to be someone who greets others with patience and kindness.

As we all prepare for the upcoming season of light in the various faith traditions around the world let us all remember to be patient and kind with ourselves and one another.