Today will mark the completion of our Lenten journey of Colossians
3:12. We end with patience. This is one that perhaps I struggle with the most. Defined, patience is the capacity to accept
or tolerate a delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.
When things do not go to the plan, I can find myself getting
irritated. My mind starts spiraling on
what will need to change. My heart may
race a little faster. The same thing
happens when I am not patient with another person. A person may not be speaking fast enough, and
I start finishing their sentences. One
may be sharing their thoughts, and I know what the answer is, but they are not
getting there fast enough. I may not often express my lack of patience
verbally, but I am pretty certain it is visualized through my body
language.
The result of the situations where I do not have
patience? Everything ends up fine! My lack of patience gains nothing in the
end. I have learned much by reflecting
on these situations throughout my life and it is an area where strides have
been made but work still needs to be done.
I have found there is truly only ONE thing that helps me in
these situations, asking for Jesus’ help.
Before going into a meeting, an event, or a discussion, I will lean on
my Lord for help. I find myself reaching
out along the way, whether it is walking down the hallway or in the midst of
preparing for the event. I lift my
thoughts to Jesus and ask Him to be with me, provide me patience, give me open
ears and an open mind to be present, knowing that in the end He will be there
to walk me through any trials that may result.
This has not been an easy journey for me. Yet, when I lift my thoughts to Jesus, my
heart is steadier, and my mind is more restful. When I do that, it all becomes easier to manage. When I have simple faith that Jesus is with
me, I am a better person in those moments.
These last few weeks have had us reflecting on the traits
that Jesus wants us to have to be the best version of ourselves, the best
version of what Jesus wants in our lives.
I pray that it has been fulfilling for you and that as we walk into Holy
Week next week, we do so with reflection, repentance, and hope.
Dearest Jesus, help us to focus our attention to you in
situations where we need patience. May
we gain acceptance of the situations without getting upset and know that YOU
are in control. Amen!
