Patience (part 2)…

Most of you already know patience isn’t really my best virtue. I’ll admit it. I’ve even written about it and some of you may remember it was my “new month resolution” for February. But for the past two months, I’ve definitely been tested in this area.

I’ve been praying very specifically for an answer to a challenge in my life. So specifically, in fact, that I asked (no…I begged…I’ll admit it!) God for a resolution “during the month of February.” (Probably not the best way to work on that quality this past month…)

Well as you know, February has come and gone. Suffice it to say, I didn’t get the answer I hoped for. But what I realized is that it’s not my timetable – it is His – and I have to accept that and never lose faith. But the good news is I was faithful in my prayers and desires. So I think that makes my resolution successful!

I have learned that not getting an answer certainly doesn’t mean God isn’t listening to me. I know I’ve often questioned that – I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that. Nor does it mean my prayers are unanswered or wasted. It means I must have patience, because everything is difficult before it is easy. I’m obviously in that “difficult” phase still.

But I am strong. (I promise I won’t go all “hear me roar” or anything.) I am strong and I am faithful. And maybe, just maybe, the answer came in February, but I don’t even know it yet.

So on to my “new month resolution” for March… any suggestions?

Patience (ugh!)

If you know me well, ok, even if you know me a little, you already know patience is NOT one of my virtues. I want to change things NOW. I want to be finished NOW. I want to see the results NOW. I’m not very good at being patient.

I’m trying to work on that. In fact, it’s my “new month resolution” for February. Too often when we lack patience, we give up before we ever see success.

I’m not convinced I buy into this whole thing of patience being a “virtue,” which by definition is a “moral excellence” or an “admirable quality.”  My need for patience doesn’t always relate to morals. And if I ever do get it I don’t think I should be admired for it.

I think patience is a learned behavior. Don’t misunderstand – it’s an important one – but it is learned through tests and obstacles. And I don’t need to be admired for acquiring it. Instead that will be an internal victory for me.

Bottom line we all need to remember is that if we develop patience, we can meet our long-term dreams and goals. I’ve seen that to be true firsthand in some areas of my life, and now I am applying it to all the other areas.

Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now. Be patient. It will be worth it!

It’s Just A Little Turbulence

Turbulence is, by definition, a violent commotion or disorder. We routinely associate turbulence with air travel. It affects different people different ways. Some may not even notice it. Some may become frightened or even ill when they experience turbulence. No doubt when it happens, someone on a microphone or in the seat next to you reminds you “it’s just turbulence…don’t worry!”

I was thinking about turbulence yesterday when I dealt with a “not-so-polite” customer (that’s my way of being polite in describing her). I must admit, I was proud of myself for the way I handled the situation, and I’m not ashamed to admit that.

You see, at one time (not so long ago), I most likely (ok, definitely) would have responded to an unreasonable person with my own outrage, impatience and “war of words” if you will. But this time, I didn’t.

Apparently, my conscious effort to tolerate situations that are truly intolerable is actually working. Apparently, in my “middle age” I’m finally developing more acceptance of situations I cannot control or influence.

Let’s be clear. I will not be a doormat and I certainly don’t condone passivity when it comes to defending yourself, your beliefs or your actions. I will not allow someone to abuse me (verbally or otherwise) or a situation that I’m part of. But in the same respect, apparently after turning forty “something” I have finally “got it” – you can’t fix stupid!

So this is how I choose to address the turbulence in my life these days. With grace and poise, not anger, frustration, worry or rebellion. And there’s plenty of turbulence these days. But that’s another story for another day…

How will you handle the turbulence that shows up unexpectedly in your life today? Or tomorrow? Or next week? It’s your choice.