Patience

Colossians 3:12-14

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves…”

The idea of “clothing ourselves” with patience makes it sound so… easy. 

As a mom of three young boys, patience is a virtue that can be in short supply these days. From seemingly incessant demands, more tasks than I can count, and squashing squabbles regularly, patience is often not at the forefront of my mind until it’s too late. Our night time routine has become a focus of my attention as I find this final parenting task to be the most patience-testing hour I endure. If only I could throw on a “patience” sweatshirt when I needed it! 

In thinking about my bed time lack-of-patience, I realized how this particular virtue  is deeply connected to my amount of rest. When I wake up refreshed, I’m often ready to anticipate and meet the needs of my family with a full cup. The end of the day is my last 10% and patience is hard to find. Patience for others, for challenges, for frustrating people is deeply connected to my own ability to care for myself. 

I suppose without a magic sweatshirt, one question we can ask ourselves (and invite God into) is: how can I care for myself better this week. Is there one little step that comes to mind to give yourself rest, reflection, or renewal in the place you are at right now? Perhaps as we care for ourselves, our patience for others will increase one tiny measure at a time.  

-Jaime Dunham