Praying for Patience
Recently, a very dear friend encouraged me to start a blog. Quickly I asserted that I just couldn’t do it. Of course, nothing is that easy. After discussing it with my husband, he suggested that I should give it a try. I’m not exactly sure how this is going to look over time, but the goal is to offer some insight into our homeschool journey and strength and direction that come from my devotional time with the Lord.
I don’t know how often I’ll get something out. Ideally, for starters, I will post every Saturday. If something comes up or I really get inspired, it may become more often. I beg your patience as I get started on this new adventure – truly an adventure as I am absolutely NOT technically minded.
Starting with the topic of patience, earlier this year, I came to a revelation about patience. I was joking with the children about not wanting to pray for patience because I wasn’t sure that I wanted to learn the lesson that God might have in store for me – like praying for humility. Immediately, the Small Still Voice came to me in the way of a couple of verses…
Knowing that I am a disciple of the Lord, I know that I am filled with the Holy Spirit. If I am filled with the Holy Spirit, then I have access to the fruit of the Spirit – including patience. I don’t need to pray for patience, I have it at my fingertips! If I am finding a lack of patience in my life, it is NOT because the Lord forgot to give me the patience I would need for every day, but because I was hindering the work of the Holy Spirit in my life.
Just before I came down to the computer, one of my children asked if she could help me prepare a dip for a Christmas party later tonight. The kitchen was clean and it was only going to take me three minutes to make and clean up and then I could get onto other things, like this blog. My attention was captured by the look in her eyes that said, “I really want to be with you, Mum.” So, “Of course you can help me.” poured out of my mouth.
Well, that one statement opened the doors not only to a little bowl of dip, but a conversation about heart attitudes (she and one of her sisters had been squabbling) and a variety of other kitchen chores. Chores that normally would have been met as drudgery she declared, “Fun!” simply because I let the Holy Spirit work His patience in my attitude and gave up a quickie chore (making the dip) for the eternal love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control that are found in faith.
Going into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and even once we get back into a routine in the New Year, may I always remember that the Fruit of the Spirit are always available to me, I just have to be willing to avail myself of them.