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Greetings!
"Give me the strength and wisdom to be a good example. Replace my anger and shouting with patience, trust and a sense of humor."
Norman Vincent Peale
We all have had days like this at some point... the doctor isn't getting back fast enough with important test results. Restoring my home, my body and my community is too much to bear and taking too long. The kids are restless, distracting and demanding. And, why isn't my computer booting up - I have work to do, emails to respond to, and my search for just the right image of 'poppies' for this message is taking too long. And, come to think of it, I haven't heard from God with a nswers to my very specific prayers this week.
So now I realize that my own impatience isn't making anything go faster nor creating any goodness at all. Not for me - not for anyone! It is only adding to the rest of the world's impatience that we're living in.
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. -1 Thessalonians 5:14
One by one, we have the ability to learn patience and teach others by example. I'm having conversations about this every day. We could take a more positive approach. Instead of complaining and feeling frustrated, how about offering help or asking for help: What can I do to help you become more 'patient' with this situation?
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:4
One thing is certain... God will teach us patience. He is patient with us and He wants us to learn the importance of patience through Faith in him. When something doesn't turn out the way I had hoped, I turn to the Lord and thank Him. Why? Because I realize I may have been spared from hurt, difficulty, mis-direction or a situation that may not have been best for me. God always knows!
 As for pain, illness and recovery, this can be the true test of patience and I have certainly had my own trials, as I am certain you have.
While recovering from an unexpected injury, I was feeling impatient and frustrated over not being able to carry on with my usual routine of exercising, walking or even reaching or bending. Does this sound familiar? It seems that everything, even recovery is a process of growth and it takes patience.
I went to my favorite 'go to' book: The Power of Positive Thinking, to read up on what Dr. Peale would have to say and here is what I found to give me strength and patience:
As the days grew brighter, he used the affirmation. "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart" - Psalm 27:14 The patient put his heart under God's care. God placed His healing hand upon this man's heart and renewed it.
Dr. Peale has great insight on patience and says, "God Is Patient - Sometimes you may feel as if your prayers are not answered. Rest-assured God is working mightily on your behalf." CLICK HERE for the full article!
There is a great booklet that I love and you will too! A Prayer for Every Need! And of course there are prayers for patience in situations you may encounter regularly with:
Children: God, I love my children but they are children but they are driving me to distraction. I'm losing control. I need help. I realize I can never direct them in their young lives until I live my own life with integrity. Give me the strength and wisdom to be a good example... Even when I am tired and upset, help me find joy with them. Help me remember that children are a gift from You and an opportunity to learn wisdom, discipline and true, selfless love. Thank You for that gift. Please don't let it get me down. Amen.
In the Car: God, I commit this care to your protection. The streets are busy and the way can be confusing. Keep us safe from the dangers of the road. Give us courtesy and patience with other drivers. And help us reach our destination swiftly and easily, always knowing that you are with us. Amen.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning,
and patience is better than pride. - Ecclesiastes 7:8
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