We all have a vision of how things in our life will play out, but not always the patience to wait for them to happen. Accepting that things aren’t always in our control can help us grow in patience and peace.
“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind.” – David G. Allen, American productivity consultant
Is anyone else feeling like life just isn’t happening the way they thought it would? Like this entire year is a roller coaster ride that you didn’t really want to get on?
From holidays that are conducted over Zoom, to rescheduled weddings, to family members lost, there are a lot of things that are out of our control and very much not how we wanted them to be.
Patience asks a lot of us. It asks that we accept what is. That we cede control of our plans to God instead of our own agenda. It asks us to redefine our expectations and wishes.
In short, patience asks a lot and gives little… or does it?
Patience gives promise
Waiting with patience doesn’t have to only be what isn’t today, but can also be what will be soon. Just because things are not happening as we expected them to does not mean that they will not happen at all.
One day soon, we will celebrate together in one place. Life’s milestones of weddings, births, and graduations will be welcomed with our loved ones. And those that we have lost will one day be reunited with us in whole and heavenly glory.
But in the interim, we must be patient. I know how hard that is, from the little ways that our days are disorganized to the larger scope of moves, health, and relationships that don’t work out the way we had hoped.
Since we can’t control everything, we must be patient and allow God to work in our lives on our behalf. His purpose and plans will always trump our own.
Weddings may be rescheduled. Jobs may be lost. Educations may be interrupted. But with patience, we can let go of our expectations and instead embrace calm acceptance. We can bring peace with patience.
Patience isn’t hope denied. It’s hope deferred. But not forever. One day soon, our heartsickness will be replaced with joy and light (Proverbs 13:12). We just need to be patient until then.
Have a blessed Monday!
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