Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
Our younger granddaughters, Savannah Jane and Alexandra Nancy, are a handful, to say the least. Full of energy and verve, they manage to keep this Gammie on her toes whenever I come to babysit.
For the past two years, these girls have shared a passion for anything and everything "Paw Patrol." Not familiar with this popular children's program? You can check it out here. Long story short, Sissy (Savannah) and Baby (Alexandra) play with their pups incessantly, making up adventures for them as they go.
When I suggest that I take some photos of their favorite pals, the girls are all in!
I can't manage to take two pictures at the most before Savannah and Alexandra fly to me, begging, "Let me see! Let me see!" Of course, I comply with their requests and am rewarded by their beaming smiles and shining eyes.
Such impulsive and impatient behavior is understandable, endearing even, in four and five-year-olds like Alexandra and Savannah. But if it persists as they grow older, it threatens to become a disagreeable and irritating trait that feeds the yawning mouth of instant gratification. No one needs to be subjected to the "I want it now!" syndrome!
As Paul lists the virtues God's people should possess in the verse above, is it any wonder that patience is included? I do not think this is a natural trait for most of us, but one that must be learned, practiced and honed.
Thinking back, there are too many instances in my life when patience went flying out the door as some provocation made its ugly entrance. I'm not proud of any of those episodes, but I know that each one has taught me the infinite importance of being patient with others, and myself, even when my last nerve is frayed.
And all these positive traits - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience - must be taught to and modeled for our children and grandchildren for them to grow up to become God's holy people.
Yes, maybe that feels like an overwhelming task, but with the Lord's help, we can live out the motto of the Paw Patrol: No job is too big, no pup is too small!
Amen!
Patience is indeed a difficult virtue to understand and practice. When we ask God for something, and we wait ... and wait ... and nothing happens. Maybe what we ask is not good for us ... right now ... or maybe He is teaching us patience. But how long must we wait? I remember that St Peter said that to God one day is like a thousand years (2 Peter 3:8) but if I wait that long I'd be dead by then!
ReplyDeletePatience is indeed difficult. Dear Lord, please give me patience but hurry up about it.
God bless you and your family, Martha.
I believe St. Peter was quoting the Psalms (don't ask me which one) when he said this, Victor. And I can certainly identify with being impatient when it comes to something I think I need or want. Learning to trust in God's timing always is a great way to cultivate the patience we need.
DeleteLove and blessings!
NOW, I will be singing the song all day! I am WELL acquainted with Paw Patrol! Love how you circled back around to patience! Beautiful Grands! Do you have any grandsons?
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
No grandsons, Loralu, but I'm over the moon with my three girls. Sorry I put that theme song in your head - lol! That happens to me a lot, too. Ah, the power of suggestion!
DeleteGlad you liked today's post, my friend!
Love and blessings!
I am not familiar with any of the kid things these days. Our 'kids' are in their 20s now. Cute toys and adorable girls!! Patience is a virtue and it is something I struggle with every day. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI think it's something we all struggle with, Terri. It's only with God's help that we can practice patience with any hope of success. Thanks for your sweet words about the girls! :)
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, what a precious post and meaningful, too. Your word picture about patience is great. We expect young children to not be all that patient, but as you clearly stated, it is a virtue to be cultivated.
ReplyDeleteYour granddaughters are simply precious!
Love and blessings!
Thank you, Kim, for your kind words about the girls here. They are so precious to me, too! And yes, patience is definitely a virtue to cultivate, and with God's help, we can. Wish I'd always remember to turn to Him first when I feel impatience creeping up on me.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Being 66 and the grandfather of a sports nut I am only familiar with Paw Patrol because of kids in the church, especially one to whom I am "Papaw Bill." But I still couldn't tell you a name of one of them. You are right about one thing though: impulsiveness must not be part of an adult's life. Our character must change as we grow older. Good story today Martha. And SJ (Is she the one in the blue?) sure looks like VR.
ReplyDeleteYes, Savannah, with her blonde hair, does look a lot like Virginia, Bill. Alexandra? Well, we're still trying to figure out our one brunette - lol! And yes, as adults, impulsiveness is never a good thing. May God help us to learn patience and restraint as we grow older, and hopefully, wiser.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, This post was a timely one for me. I've felt a bit like those adorable grandchildren of yours lately as we get ready for publication of my third book in just two weeks. My publisher has even said, "patience child," as I wait for the cover designer to finish up.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, patience is a virtue of the Holy Spirit that most of us need more of.
I love your gentle illustration with precious photos.
Oh, Beckie, how I hear you on this one! I recall sitting on pins and needles waiting for my publisher to put the final touches on my books - it seemed a life time. But patience, when we practice it, does keep us so much less anxious about things in general, and encourages us to trust in God's timing. Glad you enjoyed the photos of my grand young'uns!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I do love Paul's letters.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have a granddaughter or two who'd just love to check out your girls' collection of toys!
;-}
I bet they would, Linda! And Paul's letters are always enlightening and inspiring for me, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Impulsive and impatient, yes. Hallmarks of innocence I've forgotten to miss. Savannah and Alexandra are just adorable!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think, as I do, that the girls are adorable, Mevely! :) And I wonder if, when Jesus said we must enter the kingdom as little children, did He have the impulsiveness and impatience in mind? Hmm - something to ponder.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Cute story, cute girls and wonderful point. I have a problem with patience. I truly have to constantly work on it.
ReplyDeleteNells, you are definitely not alone here. I think it's human nature vs. God nature. Unless we surrender our impatient moments to Him, we certainly won't get far down the patience path. Here's praying we can!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I think Patience is a trait that probably everyone can work on.
ReplyDeleteIn some areas, I have got better, others... probably worse.
Great story, appreciate you sharing.
Yes, Ryan, that's so true about being patient in some areas of life and not so much so in others. But all of it takes practice, doesn't it?
DeleteLove and blessings!
Playfully impatient is one thing :-)
ReplyDeleteNothing feeds a child's imagination like a playful adult. My Abi had a Busha Baby named Busha, and carried it everywhere. And guess who had to be the voice of Busha? I'd interact with Busha, converse with her. It was a teaching moment. For instance, I'd let her pronounce 'ballet' with the 't' then say, "It's not pronounced that way. The 't' is silent. Say it this way..." Anyway, you were talking about patience... Sorry about the rabbit trail :-)
Nothing to be sorry about here, Debra - I love this rabbit trail you shared here. And it's so true, that if we, as adults, are willing to enter into their world, not only can we rekindle our inner child, but we are also affirming their worth in our eyes. It's a win-win!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, my goodness! They are SO cute! I can only imagine how much fun you have when babysitting and joining in on all of their adventures! And, I am sure they absorb many lessons in patience by their Gammie who loves them so much. God bless all of you, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words here, Cheryl! Yes, I hope that I'm as good an influence on my grands as I think I am. And I do love them up to the moon and back!
DeleteLove and blessings!