Patience

In the last several weeks the word patience has been weighing on my mind and heart.  Why does it keep popping up? During my quiet devotional time this week, I decided to explore the meaning of patience.

At one point, I realized I was rushing through my research and writing everything down so quickly, probably so that I could get to the finish line quickly. Instead, I arrived at a pivotal point where I could research and write no more. Stop. Why was this life lesson presented to me at this moment in time?

I was drawn to the outside. Some early spring chores in the garden were calling my name and I was sure some time in nature would help clear my thoughts. I tilled the beds with fresh soil and nutrients and pruned the bushes here and there.  I found myself quietly repeating, “Be patient. Enjoy the beginning of the season.”  As I looked around the garden, I took a deep breath. Although there is always more work ahead, learning to be patient brings joy to one’s heart.

Times of rejuvenation are also times of transition. A fresh start comes after lots of hard work…and patience. Every gardener knows this. Is this why some say patience is a virtue?

After a few hours in the garden, I returned to my research.  Jotted down in my notes was the definition of patient from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.

My thoughts became clear as to why I was on this special journey to discover the meaning of patience. I penned some thoughts to describe this sense of how our Heavenly Father guides us, if we are willing to be patient, have faith and trust in Him in this new season:

We awaken in the morning with a sweet anticipation of a new dawn, a new day, a hope that comforts the soul. A fresh start lies ahead for us. Our Heavenly Father has given us an invitation of faith to live a life filled with the glory of hope to embrace joy through all seasons.

Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of what’s to come -- a sneak preview of the future to give us hope and courage so that we may continue to move forward and learn.

Years ago, I heard this saying and I have carried it with me in my toolbox of life:  God is the slowest person I know, but he is always on time.  And he always is. 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) 

God always creates a joyous pathway for us, filled with blessings beyond our imagination, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

 “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’”  Jeremiah 29:11-12

As I sat quietly, with a smile on my face, in an “aha moment” of glee, I realized once again that God had on my heart the word ‘patient’ so that I would know that joy is present in all seasons of life.

I opened my journal to a recent bible study on patience to garner more wisdom of God’s timing, especially during our own personal seasons of uncertainty or drought. I was reminded that the more we embrace God’s word to guide us with patience during these times, the more we will experience His endless love.

  “But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope.  And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! Romans 5:3-5 (TPT)

Just then, I heard a knock at my front door. I closed my journal and put down my pen.  I opened the door to welcome our tree trimmer, Victor, who we had been patiently waiting upon for several hours.  With his big joyful smile, he said, “I am so sorry to be late.” I said, “Oh Victor, you were not late, you were right on time, as I needed the extra time to finish a project that was on my heart.”  I quietly looked up to the heavens above: Thank you, Father for another wonderful life lesson. 

We watched Victor and his colleague go about their work, gingerly navigating through the limbs of our grand pine tree that majestically watches over garden, protecting the health of the tree. 

Maybe this is really what our life journeys are all about: Giving ourselves permission to slow down and embrace the times that call for our patience.

Take one day at time and trust in God to guide you with joy through all seasons.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

 What a glorious time to grow our faith in God to encourage one another to live our lives filled with joyous blessings through all seasons.

Be skilled at gently encouraging those who feel themselves inadequate. Be faithful to stand your ground. Help the weak to stand again. Be quick to demonstrate patience with everyone.
1 Thessalonians  5:14 (TPT)

Let joy be your continual feast.  Make your life a prayer. And in the midst of everything be always giving thanks, for this is God’s perfect plan for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians  5:16-18  (TPT)

I know and Believe God’s plan is the perfect plan for us…because He loves Us!