A gentle reminder... that never grows old! It takes patience to achieve a dream or goal you have--coupled with hard work and determination. Patience is key! You have to practice patience if it doesn't come naturally to you. Patience is a virtue in life that helps each day go better than if you were impatient about everything all the time. You need to be patient with yourself and other people. Cut yourself some slack and other people too. What is the worst that could happen if you actually practice patience today? Nothing but good! Patience means: "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset." And these synonyms help drive the point home: "forbearance, tolerance, restraint, self-restraint."
How much more different would things turn out if you were patient today? Yesterday is gone, so no need to stress about how impatient you were in various situations or with that one person. Today is a new day! Practice makes perfect... hmmm... you have the opportunity to exude patience in every encounter. So many opportunities to practice patience, such as: while you are getting ready for the day; during your workout; when you get on the road and see some drivers with road rage; when you are at school or work; attend meetings; when you are at the store; or even when you have conversations with different people; etc.
You may be going through a trying situation right now and all you want to do is give up... just
wait a little longer and be patient. This too shall pass--I know, easier said than done... but if you intentionally decide to be patient, you will go through this challenge a whole lot better. Remember God's Word: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope." (Romans 5:3-4 KJV) And we know hope makes the heart stronger!
Of course, you have to exercise wisdom when you are practicing patience. Being patient doesn't give other people permission to take advantage or abuse your patience. Be wise and kind when you exercise patience. No need to act like you are being patient (while things bottle up inside) only for the anger or frustration to eventually explode. Know yourself and exercise restraint with grace.
Patience shows that you care--even in some instances when other people don't see it. I encourage you to choose at least one area or person you will intentionally be patient with today. Think about some of the people and things that just drive you crazy sometimes... and be patient with at least one. Remember, you also want (need) people to be patience with you. So, when you're practicing patience... you are planting a seed of patience... and we know that seeds will germinate :). Bear some fruit... which will definitely taste better with an attitude of patience.
Here are a few more nuggets from God's Word about patience:
"But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15 NKJV) It takes patience to bear fruit!!! Fruit doesn't grow overnight--and your dreams don't either.
"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:4 NKJV) Patience has to work in you as you become more complete and achieve what you were created on earth to do.
Always remember to practice patience.
