The Art of Patience

They say patience is a virtue. Apparently it is one that eludes me. Especially at 4 o'clock in the morning, when I am staring at a screaming child who, only 3 minutes prior, was perfectly happy and content, talking and cooing to herself. You don't think less of me, do you?

Patience is a little bit of a sore subject with me. I know I struggle with a lack of patience, but I don't always like to admit it, especially to God. Because you know what happens when you start praying for patience, right? God will give you something to be patient about!

As a new mom, I am learning brand new lessons on this thing called patience. Please hear me, I am not frustrated with my daughter. She is only 5 months old. But it certainly tries a woman's patience when your beautiful new baby has finally started sleeping through the night, only to begin teething. Suddenly, I am woken up at all hours of the night, yet again, and now there is nothing I can do to make things better. She just cries and cries, but can't tell me what hurts or how I can help. And believe me, a severe lack of sleep does not do much to help with the patience factor either. It only makes an emotional woman even more emotional.

So what's a mom to do?

Pray. And then pray some more. And yes, even pray for patience.

Because no matter how hard I try, I cannot simply become a more patient person. Patience will never be something that comes naturally or easily to me. Yet, for some reason, Jesus Christ has chosen to love me and have patience with me. And if I will allow, He wants to display that never ending patience through me.

"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1:16

You see, if I was a naturally patient person, it would be no big feat if I were then patient with my daughter, or my husband, or my friends. But because this is a weakness for me, when I am able to show patience to those I love or be patient in the circumstances of my life, my actions can only point to the power of Jesus Christ. Patience is not something I am capable of in my own strength. So I can praise God and thank Him for showing a sinner like me mercy, and allowing me to display His patience. Because I surely do not have any of my own!