"Three Steps to Patience"
By Bruce S. Riley, LMFT
"Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting". (Unknown)
One of my greatest challenges is to stay in the current checkout line that I think is taking too long. Too often I've gotten out of that line only to find out that the line that I move to is even longer. Let's face it, our patience is being tried every day. Perhaps these steps will help:
1. Master yourself
Rather than trying to control the affairs of others, you should first get control of yourself. Desire to control your temper, your tongue, your spending, your eating, your use of time, etc. It's not how much you have, but how you use it. Be the steward of your soul.
When you rush you are more likely to make mistakes. For example, I have seen too many people rush out of a potentially good relationship before it has time to develop. And then they start over. Consider the person that quits a job because they don't like what the boss said. And then they start over. Too many people are living and working at "entry level" when they could be so much further in life.
Take inventory of all that you have been given. When some things are gone (like your life), they're gone. Ask for wisdom so that you can make better decisions.
2. Calmly accept what may not change
It is important to relax in the middle of your storm, knowing that things will change, but not immediately. Live in the moment while appreciating the opportunity to grow through the challenge. New skills can be obtained that otherwise could not have been gotten. Through patience you are learning what is worth your time.
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:18
3. Do the work
Take your time and be consistent. Listen to good advice, look for the blessing in the work, and learn to say "no" to decisions that will make things easy for the moment but may cause long term trouble. Do the work "one day at a time". Trust the process and allow the results to take care of themselves.
"Patience is the ability to count down before you blast off".
