Patience

Patience is something that I used to lack. One day a few years ago, I heard a voice tell me “be patient”. I remember the moment. Sitting there wondering if and when I would ever find the right guy. And then this voice, “Be patient”. For me hearing the voice was easier said than done. You try, you wait and wait and wonder… How long? When have I been patient enough? Patient with love. Patient with dieting. Patient with exercise. Healthy eating. To have patience is to be a good Christian. Maybe that’s where my patience needs to start at and come from. I would that I had the patience of Jobe. Then again, the Lord has more patience with his children, Me included, than I could ever fathom possessing. 

I need to work on patience. I’m sure patience and prayer go hand in hand. So how long? I believe we are supposed to always be patient, just as we’re supposed to pray without ceasing. Be Patient and kind to the people around us. Wait patiently for the answer to our prayers. We can find patience is an important part of life. How? How do you do it? How are you supposed to be patient? Prayer, Faith, Hope, Love.  How? I believe the biggest how is through and by prayer.

Almost a year to the day, That I heard that voice tell me “be patient”. I met the man whom my soul loveth. We have now been married for 5 years. And the need for patience continues. Even in love, two people don’t always see eye to eye. If they do, they should count themselves very lucky and blessed. Living in the same house, doing the same things though differently day in and day out. Everything requires patience.

The amount of patience that I have continues to grow every day and every year with each kid. Children don’t know how to be patient. It’s not something that they are born to know. It takes time and with each moment that they are learning patience, so am I. When they spill a drink, on accident or on purpose, it takes patience. When they have a temper tantrum for no apparent reason, it takes patience. When they cry in the middle of a store, because they can’t get a toy that they want, it takes patience. When they are trying to help mama do dishes or put clothes in the washer it takes patience. Because in their helping they may be slowing down the process. But I take a moment and step back and watch and then I start to smile. Why? Because in this moment, we are both learning. My child is learning to help do a chore without being asked and I am learning Patience.