Struggles

Patience-

1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like. (ouch!)

2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner. (oh my...sigh)

3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience. (ahhhh!)


Growing up, I always considered myself a pretty patient person. Pretty even tempered and able to get over things easily. Nothing (NOTHING) has tested my patience more than being a mother. Now, don't get me wrong. My children are beautiful, wonderful, absolute blessings from the Lord. And I am thankful for them every. single. day. But, as all parents know, children can be difficult. Many times I find myself expecting them to react to the situation like an adult would. And then I realize, "Wait a minute...that's what these situations are all about!" It is my job to teach them how Jesus would want us to behave. To teach them the difference between good and bad, appropriate and inappropriate, and ultimately sin and righteousness.

So, I'm trying to keep things in perspective. Life can get pretty frustrating sometimes, I'll be honest. But I see the progress we are making in everyday life too. Whenever Lilly offers to let one of her siblings go first. Whenever Bradley willingly tells someone he's sorry for a wrong behavior. When Luke volunteers to wipe off the table after we eat. It's those little moments that make all the frustrations, prayers, and tears worth it.

It's a funny thing too. When you pray for patience the Lord will test you. I don't want my children remembering a mother that lost her temper and threw her own tantrums. But as a godly woman with a meek and gentle spirit. So, bring on the tests! (Did I really just say that?? Uh oh...)

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ~James 1:3-5

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. ~2 Tim. 2:24-26

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ~James 3:17

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: ~ Romans 5:3-4

So, there are my struggles. But thankfully, for me, there is hope. And His name is Jesus.

Running the race,

~A