PATIENCE
BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL; AGAINST SUCH THINGS THERE IS NO LAW. GALATIANS 5:22
This morning I made time to fellowship with the Lord. When my children were younger, it was easy to get up early and have a quiet time of Bible study and prayer as I sat on the front porch with my cup of coffee. Then they became teenagers. Now the phones ring after 10:00. The kids raid the kitchen for late night snacks after I'm in bed, and then my 210 lb., 6' 6" son walks (stomps) around in his bedroom above mine. If he has a friend over, well, then it sounds like a herd of elephants tramping above my head. Of course, my husband rolls over and says so kindly, "Would you go upstairs and tell them to be quiet? I can still recall when they were in bed by 8:30 and I was sound asleep by 9:30.
A former pastor once told me the hardest thing about having a consistent early morning retreat with the Lord is "putting your feet on the floor." He was right, but today I did it. God has been so patient with me. He is always available, always waiting, always watching over me and always reaffirming me of His love. When I come to Him, listen to Him and abide in His Word, I am fully aware of His patience and it transfers into my life through the fruit of the Spirit. I must be filled daily (sometimes hourly), and then mornings like today become more abundant. Then my patience can overflow to my family, co-workers, patients, and friends. It never runs out if He is in control. Allow the Lord to take control of your life today.
Have a great rest of the week. Be patient!