 | But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:4 I’m in the Philippines this month teaching at pastors' conferences with a powerhouse team of dynamic women, all older and wiser than me. Today was supposed to have been a routine, island-hopping jaunt by ferry to Bohol Island where we were scheduled to speak in the evening at a conference. Like the woman in the photo stranded on the roadside, my day turned out to be a day filled with patience-testing circumstances. How I reacted revealed something in me. |
Travel Delays, Stormy Seas, Shifting Priorities
Our ferry from Negros Island to Bohol Island was delayed for several hours, and concern arose for our ability to fulfill our commitment to speak that evening. Any changes could also impact the next day's schedules.
The journey before us involved a rough sea crossing. The two Dramamine pills I took were making me terribly sleepy as we waited ad nauseum in the hot, cramped, pre-loading staging area at the docks.
The journey before us involved a rough sea crossing. The two Dramamine pills I took were making me terribly sleepy as we waited ad nauseum in the hot, cramped, pre-loading staging area at the docks.
| Can you say "Dramamine"? |
As we headed toward the rocking craft to board, my travel companions began throwing out ideas for rescuing the sabotaged conference speaking schedule.
Not much.
And believe me, not getting frustrated is not in my “natural” temperament.
- “Melanie could take tonight’s session while we sleep!“
Me: “Ok.” - “Melanie could give up her plenary tomorrow to make up for lost time!”
Me: “That works.”
(Peals of laughter ensued.) - “Doesn’t anything ruffle your feathers?” one friend playfully chided.
Not much.
And believe me, not getting frustrated is not in my “natural” temperament.
Patience, Tolerance and Perseverance
The truth is, raising children with hidden disabilities, precious wonderful children that are incredibly trying and who cause us to die to ourselves every...single...day of our lives, produces lovely fruit of patience, tolerance and perseverance.
All of the peace I cried out for in my prayers during the most trying seasons of child raising, I have now, not because my babies are near grown, but because peace can be internal independent of agitators or circumstances.
You are not just molding your children. Your children are molding you, and its a beautiful thing.
All of the peace I cried out for in my prayers during the most trying seasons of child raising, I have now, not because my babies are near grown, but because peace can be internal independent of agitators or circumstances.
You are not just molding your children. Your children are molding you, and its a beautiful thing.
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