Learning Patience

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"Learning Patience" By Diane Webb

Ecclesiastes 7: 8—"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit".

Sometimes when something happens it seems really bad—such as a job loss, breakup of a relationship, or other trials we go through. However, by the time it's over we can see the good that has come of it. We get better jobs, we have a more Godly relationship, and we are motivated to make some changes that have been needed for a long time. None of us enjoy going through trials. We think it's the worst thing ever to be suffering what we are suffering. We don't think we can make it; but we do make it and when it's over we are stronger than we ever thought possible. At first, it seems the two parts of today's scripture don't go together. They seem like two separate messages. Upon closer examination, it's obvious the last part is telling us how to get through the first part. Pride makes any hard time worse. It is often the pride which causes the most suffering. We are more upset about losing our standing, what people think of us, and having to ask for help than we are the original problem. Being patient, therefore, makes any trial more endurable. Planning, in advance, to trust God and see things through will reduce much of the misery associated with many of our hardships. Think of the last thing you had to suffer through? Did you utilize patience or did pride cause you to feel worse than necessary? Are you suffering now? Is pride keeping you from getting the help you need? Are you talking to people to let them know what's going on with you? If not, are you ashamed for people to know? Do you worry what they might think? Take heed of Ecclesiastes 7: 8 today. The beginning of a trial is worse than the end of it. Being patient is better than being proud. Imagine something as simple as having to wait a long time in line at a store. To start with we are a little irritated because the people in front of us are too slow—they are paying with pennies it seems, the price is not on the item, the light is on for a manager. We can think "how inconsiderate of those people", "they should plan for more cashiers", "they knew better than to bring all that change", and "I should not have to wait like this". All of these are prideful thoughts and only make the waiting worse. Before it's over we've given ugly looks to people, rolled our eyes, and been rude to the clerk. As all of this is going on we get more and more upset, tense, stressed, and agitated. Our heart rate increases, our blood pressure goes up and we get a headache. On the other hand, we could wait with patience, smile, talk to the people around us, look at the shelves by the register, pray, and otherwise enjoy the break we are getting in our busy day. With this second attitude, by the end of the wait we've made a new acquaintance, discovered a new product, and relaxed for a while. With the second approach, the end was better than the beginning. By waiting patiently, we have benefited from the wait and are better for it. It ended up being a positive thing. Patience is a difficult thing to learn because it requires much practice. You can speed up the development of this great skill and trait by thinking to yourself "learning patience" every time you are in a situation that requires patience. This simple thought and attitude will help you get through many rough spots without getting too upset. The next time you are dealing with a difficult person (a child, a spouse, a co-worker) think the same thing—"learning patience" (but don't say it aloud).

Dear heavenly Father, I know people say to never pray for patience but patience is exactly what I need. Please, God, help me learn patience the easy way—which is by obeying you promptly without fuss and by trusting you in all situations. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.