Let Me Be Patient

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

I’d like to begin this post with a thought, “what if waiting, being patient even when it’s really hard, could actually be fun? Maybe even worthwhile?” 

My word for 2019 is patience. At the beginning of the year, I chose a quality within myself that I would like to grow in. Last year my word was courage. When I focused on that quality, I found ways to be courageous in my everyday life. I hope the same is true this year as I learn to be a patient woman.

I feel like I can be patient with difficult people, or even when situations don’t go as planned. However, I want to explore the idea of being content, or even excited, during times where I am meant to wait. Whether that is for the next career move, relationship, or even learning to be patient with myself as I learn the messy art of “adulting”. 

Patience isn’t flashy or glamorous. It’s not self-seeking or impulsive, and it requires a great bit of courage. According to the Oxford Dictionary, patience is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” I’ll be honest, I am not patient all the time (who is?). Delayed dreams are never fun. Waiting to get into grad school to begin my dream career is hard sometimes. Yet I believe that God’s timing is perfect, there’s a reason for the wait, and some things take time (and that’s okay).

We all have our own path in life. My journey toward my career might look different from the girl who graduated with me with the same major. Also just because a few of my friends are married, and I’m not, does not mean I am missing out or late to the game. I don’t want to be caught in comparison with my peers during my season of patience. Instead of comparing, I choose cheering. I love to cheer for my friends living their dreams because that’s what they do for me! 

Thanks to the hope the Lord brings in my life, I know that I am not walking my life path alone. I am certain that even though there are challenges and pot holes along the way, my destination is one of joy and peace. Even though I know God is in control, I’m not just going to sit around and do nothing as I wait. Instead, I’m going to work hard where I am in my career, make time for my friends and family, and enjoy things I love like reading and fishing. (I do love the quiet past-times). 

I’d like to end with this word from Paul in the Bible, found in James chapter 1 verses 2-4, “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverence. Let perseverce finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

In the highs and lows, may I be patient to persevere, to grow, to thrive. 

Petit à Petit,