Life - An Education in Patience (cont.)

As I continue to practice have more patience in every aspect of my life, I find that my stress level has dropped dramatically.  I still catch my self, at times, falling back into old habits. This usually happens when I am tired or stressed. I am learning to not let things get to me as they once did. I have consciously decided not to comment on certain things and to let things happen.

I continue to do bible study daily, although I have to alter times of day as my schedule changes. I have to admit that life has become more enjoyable. I plan on to review my notes on this bible study on a regular basis.  I have also found that as my patience improves, my anger at things also improves.  I continue to go through the bible study on anger.

Life - An Education in Patience

I have finished by 1st run through studying about patience, but the process is a continuous. You can control what you say and do, but you cannot control how someone else will respond. I have been trying my best to apply this education to every part of my life.

 I have stated this more than once in my head and wondered why things weren't really going my way. It was only until I truly waited for God to answer did things begin to make sense and begin to work themselves out.

What I have also found is that although you believe that your patience has improved, those around you may not believe it has.  I press you to continue in your journey, it will soon avail itself to them and they will see your change.  And it may even show them that they may need to look at themselves as well.

I do have to admit that it has not been easy. I must admit that if it was not for my mother, I would not have been able to withstand the trials I have gone through over the past several months.  I still have a few hurdles to overcome, but she is still behind me supporting me and giving me unbiased advise. I will come back to this topic as its significance arises as life goes along.

Patience

Being patient is not easy. Especially when it seems you have already waited a lifetime or the situation that you are currently experiencing seems unbearable. I have learned by reading, praying and talking to others that  although it seems like this "hole" that I am in continues to get deeper, I am gaining insight to help me in other obstacles that I may encounter down the road.

I have learned to pray and garner any help and guidance I can from all sources. By chance I came across a little book called "God's Wisdom for you Every Need." This has been a great help to me in those times when I really need a quick education in not giving up or how to respond in a particular situation.

I have also learned a great deal about myself in the ongoing process. Although I have been patient, at times, I may not have been patient enough.  I need to wait that additional second, minute, hour, day, etc. longer that I may want to.

My first prayer in my knowledge quest was this: Lord, being patient isn't easy. I have my agenda for when things should happen -- and I'm frustrated and resentful when they don't. Patience will come to me, though, when I'm truly surrendered to you -- so here I am, God. Do what You want in my life, in Your time, in Your way. Amen
(Light for my Path)

I know I have much more to learn and am eager to continue.

Life - An Education in Patience

Life gets complicated at the most unexpected and what seems like the worst times. I have been told that its not what life throws at you, but how you respond to what life throws you.

Recently I have had several setbacks in my professional career, which as expected, effects my private/personal life.  I hit me hard because everything in my life has generally "progressed as planned." Now everything in my life has not been perfect, but the little bumps in the road have been relatively easy to navigate.  This most recent curve life has thrown me hasn't been as easy to navigate.  Mainly because it is not just me that is effected.  I now have a family and so I feel responsible for the effect this is having on them.  Also others hold the key as to how things will progress and all I can do is await their decision.

I have to admit the past 9 months have not been easy for me.  I am used to being in control or I should say I thinking I was in control of my life. My current situation has shown me that no one is ever in control of their lives because you can never control what others do or how they respond to things you do. I believe that God is  teaching me patience.

What does this really mean? Webster's Dictionary defines as the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties. One bible dictionary defines it  as an active endurance of opposition, not a passive resignation. It is endurance, steadfastness, long-suffering, and forbearance.