JANUARY 27, 2023
One of my biggest weaknesses in life has been patience. (Just ask Ms. Teri) Too many people have told me to “Slow down.” “Wait a minute.” “Why do we have to go so early?” (I like to go early everywhere because I just might meet someone new). My father used to tell me not to rush things and that life’s lessons often come in time. He taught me that: “Patience is the ability to wait. But it is the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” I have never forgotten that phrase but have often abused it with my own timing in life. Now that I can look back, I see more clearly as to WHY this is so important.
I was also reminded that: “With love and patience together, nothing is really impossible.” Since the end of my first career, this is what I have been studying and it is becoming clearer to me that this is LIFE. Not in our time but in God’s time. Life hasn’t been easy for many of us, but life is still good. (Try living in another third world country and you just might learn a little about patience and gratitude) It seems that patience and perseverance have a magical effect on us before difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. (Try going around your obstacles instead of banging your head all the time) There were times that I was thinking I needed something NOW and that life wouldn’t be right unless I had it NOW. Guess what? I was wrong, selfish, and foolish. First, I probably didn’t really need what I was desiring at the time anyway. I know I complained and was anxious about it as well. Not a healthy way of looking at and living life. Now, I am able to laugh at myself more by my impatience. Still a work in progress.
Learning patience takes discipline. Disciplining our minds to wait for something bigger, better, and that lasts forever. I don’t mean procrastination here. Too many of us procrastinate on the things we are responsible for and never end up growing, learning or accomplishing much. I have had to learn to adopt and adapt to the pace of nature. Her secret is patience. Like a Nebraska winter snowstorm blowing in off the prairie, it is guaranteed to change tomorrow with sun and warmth. (and maybe a little more wind)
I hope all of you can grab the idea of holding off on a few things you want but really don’t need right now. Get your priorities in life straight. Yes, you may need to think about along with working harder or smarter. George Bernard Shaw reminds us; “Two things define YOU; Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” WOW! Think about that for a few minutes. Try putting your faith (and your patience) in God’s hands because he promised to make a way for us; to help us fight our battles; and to trust in HIS timing. Things will work out eventually. Give it time and “Be Patient my Friend.”
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious.” Philips Brooks