Love, unlike us, is always patient. Sometimes we can’t muster up even a little patience. But if we work to feel and express our love, then the patience will follow, easier and faster each time.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
I say this with assurance: No one knows impatience like a parent. Except maybe a parent who hates being late.
There is just something about caring for little people, who seem to have a very casual relationship with time, that can make the most patient people lose their cool.
I have taken 13-hour plane rides. I have waited for hours at DMV. And I have even waited for great books to come to my library rather than buy them on their release day. (#frugalbookwormstruggles)
But there is something about watching my 3-year-old painstakingly choose, re-choose, and finally dress at a snail’s pace while I look at my watch, which already says we’re late, that makes my head want to explode. If I’m lucky, I can keep my lips zipped and not give voice to it.
Maybe it’s that kids need more repetitive direction as they learn, or just patience as they do things in order to learn, that makes our normally quick-moving parts suddenly stop, slow, or reverse.
Which is frustrating for anyone trying to actually do or get anywhere. Enter impatience.
Our love is what brings out our patience
Patience is not going to be there at first. We’re hard-wired to first feel our own emotions, so impatience, annoyance, and anger will pop up first when we are made to wait.
But just remaining in those impatient emotions is also selfish. They don’t take into account what that wait is doing for the other person. And this is where we must focus on love.
My 3-year-old, when she finally did stand up and show me her completely dressed self, was ridiculously proud of herself and her ensemble. My impatience, which might have easily ended with unkind words or dressing her myself, would have stolen the joy of her accomplishment.
We wait on God, too. I hear so often that people feel God isn’t listening because He didn’t answer right away. But what happens if we jump in and do it ourselves?
We miss the good that comes from waiting. As lovely as a toddler’s smile can be, it pales next to the gifts and blessings God bestows on us.
God is patient with us, as we should be with Him. And with others. He models that love for us so that we can emulate it in our own lives and extend that same generosity.
Love is patient, even when we can’t be. Focus on love when impatience rears its ugly head and you will find a supply of patience you didn’t know you had.
Waits are always more bearable when they’re done with love.
Have a blessed day!
Looking for more encouragement and inspiration today? Try these posts:
How My Struggle for Patience Led to My Faith
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