Good morning! The tagline for my blog is “Living every day to be more like Jesus.” This is much more than a tagline though, it really is my heart’s desire – for me and for you! Not that you aren’t already wonderful the way you are, but because we have this thing called a sinful nature that is always looking out for self. If we are constantly concerned with what’s best for us, then how can we learn to serve others?!
I have always loved the scripture in Galatians that talks about the fruit of the Spirit. It lists the attributes that we can begin to develop and grow in if we live a life that is yielded to the Holy Spirit. When we put God first in our lives, it will be evident when we show – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
Yesterday, I believe God was working on my PATIENCE. Right from the start as I was pulling out of my neighborhood, I was stopped by an excavator that was unloading a concrete cesspool ring from the trailer of a truck. After probably three minutes (which felt more like ten), I waited per usual at the longest light in the world – the no turn on red at the end of my block. Then, I continued on my way to work and the line to get onto the expressway was especially long for some reason today and the traffic was slower than normal.
After work, I took Josh to get him a new bat for baseball (he promises it will make him hit dingers) and the line to get onto the expressway was even longer than it was in the morning – to the point that I actually bypassed it and got on the next onramp. Then we went to check out and there was only one person in front of us but they were taking FOREVER!
I am sure we have all had days like this, but right from the start as I was sitting in my truck watching the guy unload the massive piece of concrete from the trailer, I immediately asked God to teach me. I began to notice things that I would not normally have noticed if I was able to just drive right by. The guy in the excavator had a difficult task as the machine was barely equipped to handle such a heavy piece of concrete; not to mention that he had to be aware of the utility lines above.
The fact that I had to stop and watch this guy work gave me compassion for what he was doing. God used this moment of ‘inconvenience’ to teach me a lesson – I am not the only person in the world that has responsibilities and a schedule that needs to be followed. When we have patience, we will have a greater awareness of the things happening around us and give us an opportunity to show God’s love to others.
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Proverbs 14:29
Another thing that I noticed both on my slow ride to work and my slow ride to the sporting goods store was that there were people on both occasions that were NOT patient. You know those people (maybe you are one of them LOL), they cut in and out of the lanes thinking that they are the most important person in the world; they don’t care about anything other than themselves.
Quite possibly, those people arrived at their destination faster than I did, however, they took unnecessary risks along the way putting their lives and others in dangerous situations. As I watched the selfishness in action, I was thankful for the safety that I was able to experience because I was was willing to have patience for the people around me.
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Psalm 37:7
I believe there is a saying that goes – when you ask God for patience, He will give you opportunities to put it into practice. So be careful what you ask for LOL! Patience does not come natural to me, but I am thankful for a God who is in the TRANSFORMATION business and instills in me His very character!
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us each day when we are willing to listen! You accept us for who we are but continue to draw us to be more like You because You always have our best in mind. Help us to strive to live for you in each moment of every day! Help us to display Your character to the people around us! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 