Perserverance

Have you ever felt that your treatment towards others, as well as yourself, lacks patience and softness? That you lack that extra "something" that makes a person feel valued during a conversation? Whether right or wrong, everyone deserves respect, right? Lately I've been taking the time to really think before responding to others, to welcome them into the conversation, and to actively be still, listen and respond with wisdom and compassion.

Throughout the years I noticed that I was becoming more straight forward with limited patience for others as well as myself. My therapist once told me that I am quick to put out fires. I see an issue that needs to be settled in a certain way, and I feel like I need to immediately resolve it before it festers into something beyond my control. While that can be a good thing, it can also become problematic when working with others who may not use the same approach. Some may want to let the matter resolve itself, while others may not be ready to address it. For me, it can also become overwhelming when not giving myself time to work through things while waiting for God to do what only God can do.

James 1:2-5 says:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Now we all know that God does not respond by our schedule. In addition, his ways are not ours.

My experiment on myself has been very humbling to say the least. On occasion, I find myself exchanging my initial thoughts for a kinder, and more thoughtful response. In addition, I'm learning that it's okay to give myself time to figure things out. I don't always have to have a quick resolution for others or myself. While this process may take some work for me to get used to, I definitely feel like it's worth it.

Until next time,

Lati

References

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.