Love is Patient

Patience.  A virtue I aspire to have someday. 

I am constantly reminded that it’s about God’s timing and not my own.  Perhaps my clinging to a schedule is a testament to my diva-like ways.  Or to my past work life where I was paid to make sure everyone was adhering to a schedule.  I get irked by tardiness, my own included.

But then there are times when I’m reminded that I need to rest.  And be patient. 

Like when – in a rare occurrence – I decide to lay down for a nap … and not set the alarm … and wake up 3-1/2 hours later.

Or when – in a truly deus ex machina-like moment – God himself steers my life in a different direction, because he knows I’m not going to do it on my own.

Love and patience have been going hand in hand lately for me.  And it’s not just that I’m a huge fan of 1 Corinthians 13.  The word “love” and the subject of love keep coming up.  Possibly just a random theme of daily life and people’s Facebook posts.  Or maybe someone is trying to tell me something.  Who knows.

In any case, we’re supposed to show love to others.  Period.  There are a lot of ways that can look.  For anyone who has had the whole agape, phileo, etc., etc., discussion in Sunday school, it’s not always about romantic love.

Sometimes it’s generosity.  Of time.  Material possessions.  Compliments.  A smile.

Sometimes it’s helping someone live up to their potential.

Sometimes it’s being a sounding board.

Sometimes it’s being the voice of reason that keeps drama from taking over.

And honestly for me it can include taking care of myself so I can be more patient.  Those closest to me know I don’t deal well with lack of sleep … so when I start to get cranky, put me to bed.  End of story.  And if I’ve gone more than a day or two without a workout … crankiness will also ensue.  Put me on the treadmill.

Last week I let myself get distracted by time-wasters two days in a row.  I was trying to be nice.  (And show some love!)  I was trying not to be the evil wench.  I was learning, I suppose, as I let the conversation with one drag on forever, so it wasn’t a 100% waste of my time.  But between that discussion and getting completely (and I mean completely) drenched in a rainstorm, I was kind of done for the day.  I hibernated under a blanket and watched the Olympics. 

Productivity did find its way back after a brief respite.  Whew.  Now on to accomplish my to do list.  Rome wasn’t built in a day, I suppose.  I just need to be patient.