On FaceTime, I watched my two grandsons running around the room. Squeals punctuated hilarious laughter. My daughter widened her eyes and said, “not so loud. Here, let’s open the door so you can play on the deck”
The boys bounded with glee as they found the water table still holding water. Droplets splashed and giggles provided a backdrop for our cross-country visit.
We continued the conversation with several interruptions including one boy whacking the other. Screams of indignation brought this young mama back to the glass door. “No, you may not hit your brother. You need to come in here and sit in time-out,” she explained to a protesting toddler.
All the while she kept her voice calm and her expression gentle. She’s so patient, I thought in great admiration.
In Ephesians 4:2, we are instructed to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (NIV)
It’s hard to be patient with everyone all the time, isn’t it? Let’s face it, don’t you wish you could resort to toddler ways and whack people on occasion? (But let’s not!)
I know and openly admit it’s truly a challenge to practice patience, especially when I’m tired or hungry, or having ‘one of those days’. But then I think about Jesus. He could have (let’s be honest, we might even say) he should have been exasperated with his disciples at times, yet he modeled patience with them. (See Mark 9:19)
Just like the patience I witnessed on FaceTime.
Maybe you’re like me, and feel a little short in the patience department sometimes? I know God is happy to supply us with loads of patience when we ask. He promises to supply all our needs. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV). I think he would understand the need for patience. He wants us to model him, and he wants to help us obey him. He also knows we need a little help. Er, sometimes a lot of help. But, he’s got us!
Let’s ask him together for just that.
Prayer: Dear God, you know my shortcomings. Yet you love me and want the best for me. Please help me to grow some patience. Better yet, please help me yield to you, and not to my own emotions when situations threaten to spark my emotions. Thank You Lord, for promising to supply all my needs. In Jesus’ name, Amen.