Patience

I wish to say that I am a patient person. The truth is far from that statement. Thankfully, patience is a learned skill. Every day, God teaches me a little more how to reflect His glory through patience. Over the years many people have commented, upon hearing that we homeschool, that they would never have the patience to homeschool their kids. To be polite, I laugh and say that I am learning. Really, we all have the choice to learn. Not just where homeschooling is concerned, although that is one forum that requires a more advanced pace. Patience affects every aspect of our lives. I think of the friend who has just discovered that she is expecting a baby...patience. I think of another friend who waits by the bedside of her 4 year old who has just had another major surgery....patience. I think of yet another friend who is mourning the loss of twins....patience. I think of an acquaintance that is not sure what her future holds financially....patience.
One of the beautiful facets of God is that He meets us. There is no place on the journey towards Christ-likeness that God is not willing to go to meet His children. Whether we are frustrated with our significant other, praying for our children, submitting the mundane details of our lives to our Sovereign God, and especially, when we rebel, deciding that we know better, He waits, lovingly directing, teaching, showing us the way with His faithful, patient nature.
On this journey, I am learning, among other virtues, that patience is key. Patience allows me to yield, when my selfish nature cries out, "No, you are wrong, I am right." Patience allows me to value others, instead of judging them instantly. Patience allows me to assess, instead of assume. Truly, patience is an extension of God's love, working out in my sinful self. It is, ultimately, our choice whether we choose to learn patience or to not. God is willing to teach, to lead by example, but we must be willing to have a teachable spirit. Paul, in his letter to the Galations, is very clear. "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard-things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." (The Message) Patience is one way that God's love is manifested in my life. I am thankful to be learning.