Developing Patience

I am not a patient person by nature. I am always the first person to hit the gas pedal when a light turns from red to green, I tap my foot and sometimes even sigh rather loudly when I'm in waiting in line, I always tell Jared he's too laid back, etc. I've also never really prayed for patience. I use to shudder at the very thought. I NEVER wanted my trials to be trials that would make me more patient because the wait would hurt too much in the process. And here I sit, having to learn first hand the importance of patience.

The other day - in the very beginning stages of a huge trial - I came across this definition of patience:

to handle pain or difficult times calmly and without complaining

That definition of patience makes total sense to me. Think about it: if you are dealing with a physical pain - for example a horrible headache - would you throw a literal fit? For anyone who has dealt with migraines, the answer would be an emphatic NO! If you kick and scream, the pain intensity is going to multiply ten times and you will lose every single bit of energy you had. Instead, you move cautiously, careful not to agitate your already aching head. Chances are you also don't walk around moaning and groaning...instead you take some medicine, find a place where you can escape from the noise and the chaos of the world, and just relax. Well, we should approach "difficult times" the same way. In this trial, I can kick, scream, have a hissy fit and complain about how unfair life is, but what good will it do? It will intensify my pain, make my problem seem larger than life itself, and cause me to become ineffective. Instead, I want to move cautiously through this trial...realizing that my actions and reactions need to be guided by my Heavenly Father. I want to allow God to be my "medicine" - my comforter, my strength and my hope. And though it's helpful to talk to other people about the pain at times, I don't want to become someone who is throwing myself a grand ol' pity party. My prayer is that through this trial I can allow God to shine through me more than ever.

So, yes, I've finally prayed for patience. I don't fear it, I need it.

I Need You Once Again - awesome song!!

Decisions must be made

and now I have a choice,

I need your wisdom, Lord

I need to hear your voice

I'm facing challenges

and the walls are closing in

I'm crying out to You,

my one true, faithful friend.

Hear my prayer, oh Lord,

I need You in my life

I cry to You, oh Lord
Please lead me to the light.

Show me the way, oh Lord

and cleanse me from my sin,

Jesus, I need You

I need You once again

Jesus, I need You

I need You once again

I know You are the one

that guides me day by day.

The answer's found in You,

your the truth, the life, the way.

When others seem to fail,

and trouble's all around

Lord, you're always standing there,

the one true hope I found.

Hear my prayer, oh Lord,
I need you in my life
I cry to you, oh Lord
Please lead me to the light.
Show me the way, oh Lord
and cleanse me from my sin,
Jesus, I need You
I need You once again
Jesus, I need You
I need You once again

I need You, beside me

I need You, to guide me

I need You, please hear me

I need You, be near me.

I need You, beside me

I need You, to guide me

I need You, please hear me

I need You, be near me!

Hear my prayer, oh Lord,
I need you in my life
I cry to you, oh Lord
Please lead me to the light.
Show me the way, oh Lord
and cleanse me from my sin,
Jesus, I need You
I need You once again
Jesus, I need You
I need You once again