This past week I have thought a fair amount about a few different
topics and I have had a hard time deciding which one I want to share. I
guess it makes sense to share the thought that came to my mind first.
Background:
Two Sundays ago as I was sitting in class with all of the Young Women,
one of the teachers asked the girls which topics they would like to have
addressed in their classes this month. I couldn't help but notice that
almost all of my girls (ages 12 & 13) raised their hands for the
topic of patience. Knowing that I was going to be teaching the 12 &
13 year olds the next week, I decided to start learning more about
patience.
I have decided that patience is something
nearly everyone struggles with. How many times have you found yourself
lashing out at someone you love like a family member or friend? How do
you respond when you are stuck in traffic? Do you struggle with road
rage? What is your response when someone is late? Do you ever find
yourself getting upset when something doesn't go your way? Do you get
antsy when something doesn't happen right when you want it to? Society
has taught us that we needed the latest and greatest new thing,
yesterday. We have come to just expect things when we want them. Right
now!
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I learned
that life happens and to just go with the flow. Traffic jams occur
everyday and road rage won't get you anywhere. Where I struggled though
is with patience in waiting for things to happen, when they are supposed
to happen- naturally.
I can recall being 11 years old
and being so anxious to turn 12, I couldn't wait to be in Young Women's.
When I was 13, I couldn't wait to turn 14 so I could go to the dances.
When I was 15, I was boy crazy and I couldn't wait to be 16 so I could
date. While in high school I couldn't wait to graduate and move onto
college. While in college, I counted down the years, semesters, and
classes until I would graduate and be "done" with school. I dated a fair
amount and couldn't help but wonder when I would meet my future
husband, I wanted to be married.
Looking back on all of
those experiences, I have learned that it is important to enjoy where
you are at in life currently. The future will come no matter what, it
always does.
If you are prone to lashing out at loved
ones, pray to see them the way God sees them. Look for ways to service
them. And each day, write down one thing you are grateful for about that
person. Feel the love!
If you struggle with road rage,
take a deep breath, listen to some positive tunes, and just go with the
flow. If someone cuts you off, restrain yourself from being reactive. I
think restraining yourself from being reactive, can apply to almost all
of the impatience situations I mentioned in the beginning of this post.
If
you're like me and struggle wanting something right now, do what you
can to make things happen and trust in the Lord's timing. He can see
more than we can see, if you trust Him, things will happen the way
they're supposed to; when they're supposed to.
