How does a Sai devotee define patience?

[SS91]

To develop a photograph, the film must first be taken into a darkroom. It is only after the chemicals have done their work in the dark is it safe to expose the negatives to the light and produce that final print. The light, which would have destroyed the film, now brings out its beauty. Sai Baba takes us through the "darkroom" experiences to develop our spiritual character. As we pass through trial, sorrow, frustration and disappointment His image can be produced in and through us. Then we are ready to be displayed in the light. Too often we blame our past karma, people, or circumstances for our darkroom tunnels of despair or frustration. Although they may be a secondary cause, we need to realize that His hand momentarily shades the light from our pathway. He graciously takes us through such experiences because He wants to provide us with the benefits of even the "darkness" for Baba assures us "If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it". In effect Sai is saying - Do what’s right and have faith in me. Have the PATIENCE and ASSURANCE regardless of how badly you may seem to be losing, just do my will and leave the outcome to me and I will make sure that eventually you will be the winner. So when we go through the "darkroom" experience we must remember not to get back in the light too soon for His timing is never too far away. He is always active and vigorously working in each of our lives to imprint His love and affection on the film of our lives so that WE BECOME ONE WITH HIM. We can look at the circumstances of our life and live in misery or we can look to our Lord and the hope He gives and find ourselves continually encouraged. We can look to the future and the Lord’s plan for us. See the end, and not the trials of the journey. See where the Lord is taking us, and keep our mind focused on that, and not on the disappointments or hardships we have for that will only make the journey longer. We must have the confidence of Baba’s presence and power and trust Him in these darkest hours. If we have this PATIENCE, we will see Sai Baba fulfilling all our desires. There’s never a moment you can’t ask Sai for help and there is no trial you need to go through without His assistance. Once you have placed your faith in Him, you can confidently say, "He is always there for me. His blessing and guiding shall follow me for I have surrendered myself to Him and laid it all at His divine feet". All what He asks of us is Faith and Patience! "Lord Sai, the assurance that you shall ever protect me though you are no more in flesh and blood is all so good, -- why should I ever be in doubt? But yet, LORD SAI, the truth is that I am often afraid. I confess it. All the weight of your assurances seems sometimes to be only a feather, and the weight of my fears like lead. Reverse that, Lord, I pray. Give me the healthy faith and confidence that will make light of all my anxiety, for walking in holy, revered fear, trusting you with my future is attaining absolute Self-realization itself, knowing that you cannot turn away anyone who has sought refuge in you. I BOW TO YOU MY LORD SAI with my entire mind, body and soul
Alphanso D’Souza


subhasrini
OM SAI SRI SAI JAYA JAYA SAI!!!
Let us pray at the feet of Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him.