On Patience

It occurred to me that I am a bit impatient in many areas of my life and with many people in my life. This ‘lacking in patience’ is both a habit and a struggle. I am sure though, that those close to me knew the depth of my impatience before I did.

As I was pondering this spiritual fruit I lack, I was reminded how many times we go through life knowing our imperfections, but not only knowing, but also warning others of it as if to prepare them, then we go about about ourselves with it never occurring to us that we should try to make every effort to do better or change - we do this not only with patience, but with most all of our imperfections, sometimes honest to a fault about who we are, expecting others to accept or work around our rough spots.

Being impatient means that I am putting my own desires and will before the other person's needs and we'll being, likely being a burden giver than a burden sharer. I have to say, the more I consider this way of humans, the worse it sounds; it is shameful, however we are all guilty of impatience at some point in our life.

Despite the shame, there is hope. We can make a choice to repent and ask God to help us change, and we should make meaningful efforts to exercise self control when we are tempted to be impatient in our future endeavors. 

With God, nothing is impossible. Paul would ask, ‘Is our Lord's hand so short that He can not balance the earth in its orbit? Absolutely not. God is the master creator and sustainer of all that has been made.  

But when God has done His work in us and we begin to become more patient, be careful not to begrudge others in your path who have not yet learned. Remember you too were like them before you learned there was hope and help. So rather than being begrudging, be an example and share your story if the opportunity arises. Afford others the Grace you yourself have been given.