WeepingintoDancing

PATIENCE = LOVE, HOPE, FAITH

“PATIENCE WITH OTHERS IS LOVE.  PATIENCE WITH SELF IS HOPE.  PATIENCE WITH GOD IS FAITH.”

Dear Readers,

I had such a wonderful trip to Arizona where I visited my folks and a very dear friend.  My weary soul was fed with love and laughter.

Patience is a virtue God is teaching everyone in my family.  Since my folks are older  (I am no spring chicken either), they move slower.  Well, my mom does as my dad is in very good health.  Mom had surgery on her foot and was wearing a “boot” to protect the doctor’s handiwork. Getting around in the kitchen was slow going for her, so I decided to make a bunch of meals for them to stick in the freezer.  It blessed me to help my loving parents and I know they really appreciated my efforts.

I also took mom shopping as dad doesn’t like to go and mom no longer drives.  I decided to really enjoy the day with her and not get frustrated with the slow pace.  Eventually, we ended up at Hobby Lobby store.  After two hours and a time way past noon, I tried to get her to leave. I had the dickens of a time getting her out of the store.  There was a new thing to look at around every corner.  She could have spent eight hours there and yet, my stomach was growling. So with some coaxing we went out for some lunch.  (It took a lot of patience and restraint on my part not to just pick her up and carry her out of the store!!)  

When we show others patience, we are showing them our love.  We are putting their needs before our needs.  Sometimes, patience requires us to lay aside our plans for the day in order to make new plans for the one we love.  We need to listen very carefully when our schedules are interrupted.  Sometimes the interruption is a ploy of the enemy to distract us from the work we have been given to do by God.  Other times, an interruption is an opportunity to do His work.  We need to be flexible and careful listeners to the Holy Spirit.  Discernment is a tool God has given us so it then comes down to an act of unselfish obedience. If we are asked to lay aside our schedule for the one in need, do it.  You will surely be the one blessed to the greater measure.

I am learning to be patient with myself.  I had to do this during my recovery from brain surgery.  My brain was injured and my vision and speech were affected, along with my balance.  I had to go to therapy and WORK at gaining back my health.  All is well now, but I was fearful I would not overcome all of my physical obstacles and fears.  I have to practice patience now as I wait on the sale of a townhouse and some possible jobs.  I long to see the future plans my Lord has for me and yet, my path continues to lead me on a day-by-day journey.  By practicing patience with myself  I am learning to have hope for my future.

Patience with God is faith.                                                                                     You, Dear Reader, as well as I….. must patiently wait on God to reveal His path for us.  His plans for our future are hidden, at least to a degree.  He knows they would overwhelm us.  You may have an idea of what He wants to accomplish through you and your future may be one of great hope, but there will be a fuzzy veil over it for your benefit.  Don’t be anxious and try to slip past the veil.  Remember, it is for your protection!!

If there is an obstacle in front of you, wait for Him to roll it aside or ask Him for the strength to move it yourself!  Patiently walk the trail in front of you with perseverance, hope, and faith.

He will eventually reveal all things to us, if not here on earth, Then in heaven…. Our home.

PSALM 40:1 (NIV)      
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry

1 CORINTHIANS 13:12 (NIV)     For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

“The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada