Patience... What is it?
Patience... Exactly what is patience?
A definition of patience is: an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay
I find my self asking my self to be patient all day long with work and family. I ask my children to be patient as they fight with each other wanting a turn to play with a toy or watch a show on TV. "Be patient" I tell them, "your sister will put the toy down shortly and then its your turn" or I will say "be patient, dinner will be done soon". I tell myself to be patient with my children when they just can not wait that extra two seconds when in reality it is usually five minutes when they ask to do something. Quite often I ask them to be patient and wait because I think that washing that dirty dish is far more important than listening to what their needs are. My goal for the week is to change that attitude of always thinking and saying "Please, be patient". How can I expect them to be patient when thats all they ever hear. Dishes will get done, Chores will get done.... Children are little for only a short time. My oldest is already 5 and I look back and I can barely remember some of the things he said or did as a toddler. Instead of telling my children to be patient, I need to teach them alternatives to things they want. Offer another toy, or simply sit down and play with them. By interacting with my children more and more, I will be doing something that will benefit us all.... making memories, hearing laughter. This past weekend, I did just that. Instead of asking for my children to be patient for playtime while daddy did some chores of pulling weeds and washing the car, I got my children involved and I think they had a blast. They were laughing and getting dirty. In the end, it was the best weekend in a very very long time. Simply involve your children, do not expect them to wait because a chore comes first.... put your children first and believe me, you will find a way to get the chores done.
A PRAYER FOR PATIENCE
Dear Heavenly Father,
Praise be given to Your Holy name for Your forbearance and mercy. You have dealt gently with Your children in love. You have been patient with me in my humanness and stubbornness.
Lord, through the work of Your Spirit, prompt me to be more jubilant in hope, more patient in times of trouble, and more consistent in my prayer life. Teach me, Lord, to wait with faith and expectancy, and may my trials be seen as times for growth in grace. Through Christ our Lord, I pray. Amen
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