Dear God, Please Test My Patience

One of the things that church ladies will jokingly tell you is to "be careful what you pray for, because you just might get it." This is often times followed by the statement "don't pray for patience.  God won't give it to you, He'll teach it to you." Let me just begin by saying that these ladies are very smart, and I probably should have listened.

A few months ago, I decided to ask God for the gift of patience.  I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, because I had heard the warnings, and had prepared myself for the fact that this may not be easy.  However, I felt that I needed it, in order to be more fulfilled with life, I needed to be a more patient person. 

I took some time to think about what had tried my patience in the past, and came to the conclusion that this test would probably be centered around people.  I am a big people person, but they are also my biggest crazy factor sometimes.  So I assumed, I'd be working with the types that had at times in the past made me cranky or uncomfortable. 

Small Children. Nursing Homes. Assisted Living.  I can do this,  no big deal.

And then comes the part where God looks at your plans... and He laughs.  Out loud; at just how silly you are. 

You see, He knew that although these people had a tendency to try my patience, I had a heart for them.  I loved them, and loved spending time with and caring for them.  I loved nurturing them, and He knew that because of that, I could conquer my paticence issues in those areas all on my own.  Instead of making me though, He simply opened my eyes to just how much I care for them, and in that sense, gave me ALL the patience I could ever ask for. 

The area that He saw needed some work was that of my relationships with the male species.  Go figure that one. 

And so my patience test came in the form of a super talented, God loving, immensely attractive, beyond frustrating, extravagantly confusing man.  You know who you are. 

...and while I am confused about the presence or absence of a spark, the long talks when the rest of the world sleeps, and then weeks of not speaking, I am thankful that I can see God working in my life, and in his as well; using us to mend each other, in ways we may not even understand.

So, my word of advice to you today is to listen to the church ladies.  They know exactly what they are talking about. 

Love always,
Lacy Brianne