How often do you need to be patient? Once a day, 3 times daily more than 10 times, 20 times daily???
In my new position at school I find that I am having to be extremely patient. Most of the kiddos I work with have to take time to process what's been asked of them, sometimes it's a waiting game to see if they are going to move on their own or if I have to help move them. Sometimes I have to stand patiently while they are screaming obscenities at the top of their lungs. Sometimes I have to be patient as they hit or kick at me. And I even have to be patient when I am holding them from hurting themselves or others.
As I hold many of my kiddos for one reason or another, as I listen to them cry over their parent not loving them (yes, some parents actually tell their kids they aren't wanted) or that they had a horrible night and what happened, or they want something now! Then my heart remembers that being patient is what is allowing me to build trust with them and feel safe with me.
When I have thought about patience this last week plus, it seems the more I have had to dig deep, even at home. But then the thought came to me as I was praying, isn't it the same way with a God? He has to sit and wait for me to do as He has asked me to do what I know I AM to do. He has to wait while I tell Him I know a better way when it's really not. He has to hold me when I am fighting against Him. He has to remind me over and over again that He loves me and He created me. Or how he waits while when I tell Him what I want from Him and how I'd like to have now. Have you ever waited patiently without grumbling? I'm not sure I can say yes to that question.
He drew me to James 5:7-11(and I laughed at this) James is talking here about a farmer patiently waiting for his crop (that didn't happen this year for me!!) the crop doesn't happen overnight and nature plays a part in it (this year tons of rain!) Sometimes things take longer than others. Sometimes things like deer get in the way or bunny rabbits.Yes, they are frustrating and can get discouraging. Every day we are faced with situations and sometimes we have no control over any of it except how we choose to react.
We need to not only teach our children but ourselves as well, in a day and age where everything is instant, we must be patient! We need to teach and model waiting patiently while talking with each other, waiting/looking for a parking spot, dealing with traffic, talking with employers/employees, dealing with being on hold for customer service and the list goes on and on!
Not only our children/grandchildren watching us but the people at our jobs, at our children's schools, in restaurants, in the grocery stores and all the other places we go. Is our lives showing Christ to those around us? Is our lives different than the worlds? If not we need to be asking why and asking God to fix it. We need to make sure that our speech is reflective of God in our lives! Our actions should be reflective of God working in our lives and living through us.
I am thankful that I have a God who is EXTREMELY patient with me and never gives up on those that He has chosen to be His children! I am thankful that I have a God who loves me for me!
In Him alone,
Rhonda Gordon
CBC Children's director
