AtomicSample

We've all been in the grocery store and heard a child throwing a tantrum, right? You know, that piercing scream telling you some small person did not get the candy they wanted. The second most of us hear that child, we immediately get frustrated and impatient. You may think things like, "Why doesn't that parent do something?" or, "Man, that kid is spoiled!" It is easy to get impatient when our normally peaceful shopping experience is interrupted. The funny thing is, we may not think: "I wish I could help," or, "I hope that parent has a better day after this moment." 

All of this requires lots of patience, and no patient person automatically woke up with that skill. It took plenty of practice before it became a habit. When we choose patience before frustration in our relationships, we learn what it means to build upon that habit. What would happen if our first response was love and peace instead of anger and annoyance?  

When someone pushes the boundaries of your patience, do you respond with being humble and gentle, or do you respond with pride and unkind ways?