Patience
Years ago I had to make a trip to the DMV. Since I
homeschooled my kids, they pretty much went everywhere with me, including the
dreaded DMV. This was back before we could do most everything conveniently
online. That day my little boy learned the word "patient." I
thought he understood the meaning, but I learned the next day that I was wrong.
I had to go to the fabric store – one of my favorite places,
but not his. Again – homeschoolers – kids went everywhere with me. I had put The Boy in the cart so my hands were free. He wasn't happy and pleaded with me
to let him out, "I will be patient!"
A fellow customer standing nearby burst out laughing.
So, he hadn't learned what patience was after all.
It takes
all of us time to develop that P word. Patience is not a natural human trait. We must learn and
practice it. As we mature spiritually we will develop patience. It's one of the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5.
While we may struggle with patience, has no problem with
it. All you have to do is read about the Israelites to see that. But don't be
too quick to judge them. Take a look at your own life to see where God has been
patient with you. God's patience is thankfully immeasurable.
Patience sometimes requires us to look at a situation from
someone else's perspective. We don't all see things the same and we won't all
react the same. A little patience can go a long way.
So, this week, when you're
tempted to be impatient, look for the positives instead of the negatives, extend
a little patience and along with it a little grace, to those around us – our
spouses, our children, our parents, other drivers, and even the exceptionally
slow cashier at Walmart.
Here's a little song on patience from my childhood for you to enjoy!
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