Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) -- But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.
Day one of our family’s back to school routine started and it failed. Patience. Day two of our family’s back to school routine, didn’t go any better than day one. Patience. I tried to sit down and blog tonight and the words weren’t coming to me. Words just didn’t come to me at all today! Patience. My kids' and my first attempt at the No Complaining Rule (blog to come later) didn’t go so well. Patience.
Patience. One of the virtues of the Holy Spirit--the one virtue that I have to work at. As I type, I wonder why is being patient so difficult? And why do I go into “unglued mom” moments, when I lose my patience. The other day, my kids reminded me what I said in my “unglued” minutes and I must say, I really disliked it! Good thing they have a sense of humor and laughed about what I said. But seriously, I would like to be more patient. Why can’t patience be as simple as serving others?
God definitely has a plan for me and He knows patience is a virtue I need to focus on and learn. When I take a look at the above bible verse --which I also have on our refrigerator--I see and feel the importance of the virtues. Who doesn’t want to feel loved? Joy? Peace? Why wouldn’t I want to be the one to extend kindness, gentleness, and by all means self-control. However to be able to produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit in my life, it all begins with being patient. Patience will lead to peace around our home, patience will lead to self-control, patience will also lead to me being more gentle, faithful, and kind.
So what can I do to work on my patience:
- First and foremost: Be Thankful.
- Pray. Pray that I can continue to work on my patience, yet also recognize when my patience is getting a little out of control:) Be Thankful that God is working in my life.
- Stop and pause before those unglued moments begin. Think. Be Thankful.
- Reflect and Be Thankful.
Did you sense my theme above...Yes Be Thankful. A patient heart begins with a grateful heart. As our family works at getting back into a routine, I do know that it is going to take a little more patience. Be Thankful God is working in me. As I stretch myself out of my comfort zone, I need to be more patient. Be Thankful God is working in me. When each day brings a new challenge and throws me a curveball, I need to be more patient. Be Thankful, God is working in me and isn’t quite finished yet!