patience is not my virtue. As though I had wondered if I could wear this badge, I can most certainly not. Which is probably why things continue to occur in my life that require the practice of patience. Remember Mama always said, "Practice makes perfect." Maybe she was referring to my piano practice, but neverthemind.
I've had plenty of time to think through the things that require my practicing of patience. I've listed them in random order: being a woman, being a wife, being a mom, homeschooling, teaching the Bible, grocery shopping, driving, reading blogs, writing blogs, organizing my closet, being on bedrest, waiting for a diagnosis, and being alive in general.
I may have left some specifics out.
Anyway, so while I would not previously have described myself as a particularly patient person, I would have glossed the depth of my impatience with the statement that God had definitely sanctified me in the area of impatience, and that I was learning through so many of the above listed things to be more patient.
Two weeks of bedrest and another week of tests without a clear diagnosis but still obvious trouble, and I would have to say to my former self, "Hogwash and rats buckets!"
I stand convicted as one in stripes preferring her own timetable and timing and purposes over all others. Reality is a hard pill to swallow. And I haven't even read Jerry Bridges' Respectable Sins yet.
What then is God teaching me?
Patience, patience, and patience. Along with healthy doses of humility and dependence.
Oh, poor Elle! I've been sick for two weeks but certainly not on bedrest and I'm feeling worn out and frustrated. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be!
ReplyDeleteI admire your readiness to consider what God is doing in and through you at this time. I admit I've been a complainer.
The flat-on-the-back rest really does test one's patience and endurance. During three months of it I waffled between trust and patience and complaint and annoyance. I might have a pretty good idea of what you're going through.
ReplyDeleteThis was a good reminder for me: "And God is able to make all grace abound unto you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" 2 Cor. 9:8.
I thank God for you, and I'm thinking of you and praying for you!
So, pretty much all of life is an opportunity for patience to be learned and/or tested... *sigh* :) Still so much to learn in this area!
ReplyDeleteI just finished Respectable Sins...It's a great book! So encouraging to finally see someone willing to call sin what it is..."sin!" But, alongside that encouraging note, be prepared for conviction on just about every page!! :)
I hope you'll be feeling better (and out of bed) soon!!
You're living the old adage, "Never pray for patience."
ReplyDeleteI cringe at your situation, because I sense my spirit would be equally vexed.
No words of wisdom, just sympathy.
Wow, that second paragraph! But going to the bathroom? You don't have to practice patience for that, huh? And, um, opening the refrigerator! See? There are a few things you didn't have to list. :)
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I am pained to hear about your bedrest continuing. I know the Lord is taking care of your family.
I hate it when God teaches me patience. It takes so long. :)
ReplyDelete