Definition of Patience

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A Definition of Patience .... or Lack Thereof

According to Webster, the definition of patience is:

1. bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint

2. manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain

3. not hasty or impetuous

4. steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity

5. able or willing to bear

Hmmm.....those don't sound so good.

The Bible provides that same definition of patience, although it talks about patience as a virtue, and is extremely necessary in order to move forward with God. In fact, patience is also necessary when you're showing love and respect to those around you, not to mention how important it is as you're learning to forgive.

So how come it's so hard to implement, and even harder to maintain once you make progress?

The problem with "becoming" patient, is that you can't practice it without being put in a situation that requires it. Ugh.

I Want Patience...But HURRY it up!

One of my pet peeves is driving behind someone who is choosing to...shall we say...drive like a Sunday driver. Whenever this would happen to me, I could feel my blood pressure rising. My first inclination was to lay on the horn so that pokey person would see that they just weren't driving right, you know?

WELL, those drivers never went faster and they certainly never drove on different roads than me. The problem wasn't with the drivers, it was with my inability and unwillingness to put into practice that "definition of patience." Until I made the decision that I would be peaceful, in control, and yes, even patient, those slower drivers showed up like clockwork.

God has this way of making you take the same test over and over until you get it right. What a concept. A teacher that lets you keep retaking the test until you've mastered the material...

And of course, about the time you think you've mastered this elusive virtue, you're put in an entirely different situation that requires you to be patient in an entirely different area. Perhaps it's the Teacher handing out the pop quiz.

I definitely am taking the pop quiz these days as I build this site. Here I am providing my own definition of patience. Building a web business is a rewarding, flexible, and fulfilling task. But there will always be those times of learning that are pop quizzes reminding me of my need to be patient.

There HAS to Be Some Patience Out There Somewhere...

My new book is here! Now you can learn to make Life Changes and you don't have to TRY HARD to make them.

So what can you do to get better at being patient? Here are some things that can help you get control:

Focus only on today and how to make today happier, easier, and more productive. See yourself handling all the tasks for today calmly, and with peace. When you plan to be peaceful and in control, it is SO MUCH EASIER when you know the outcome in advance.

Understand and accept that not everyone is going to do everything exactly the way you think it should be done, or at the speed of light. People aren't perfect, and neither are you. There will come a time when you need people to be patient with you, and you will reap what you sow.

Give yourself a break. Trying to be patient is completely different than having mastered the skill. It is going to take time to really get good at it. And while you're learning, forgive yourself if you don't do everything right, every single time. God will continue to put you in situations that require patience so you will get another chance.

Just remember that God looks at your motive in everything you do. If your motive is to become patient and you're doing what you can, then God will give you the grace to make progress and you can feel good about your progress.

I don't see the definition of patience changing anytime soon, but hopefully both you and I will continue to see daily progress. Who knows? Maybe someday they'll put our pictures right beside that definition of patience in the dictionary.

Definition of patience (top of page)

Some More Help as you try to Define Patience

Patience and Prudence.....a GREAT combo

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