PatienceSample

Destination patience

I often think I’m patient. When I’m by myself, sipping my favourite drink, or when life seems to be going well, I’m the most patient person I know. But then there are moments… moments like being stuck in traffic, waiting in line, or repeating something I clearly said 10 times beforehand and trying not to use an angry tone or a resting-judgment face when saying it again… these are the moments that I need patience the most.

It’s those moments when we choose to stay calm when chaos would otherwise be justified. It’s when we sit in God’s presence and wait for His timing instead of letting frustration be the measurement. It seems that patience is at its best when we are at our worst.

When I think about patience through my limited human lens, I’ve allowed it to be influenced by external circumstances rather than the internal fruit of the Spirit. When I lean into God’s wisdom, I’ve come to understand that it’s not a passive resignation but an active trust in God’s faithfulness that lasts into eternity. Amongst the uncertainty of the beginning, the reminder of our destination is worth being patient for – the reward of dwelling in God’s perfect presence for all eternity.

When we do not have the answers or know what the next step is, we can hold onto the understanding that God is alongside us, within us and welcoming us at the finish line. I know I can be patient for that. It matters more how you finish than how you begin. If the day started a little off – don’t stay defeated. Finish it with the patience of God.

Written by LINDA LOU