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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Patience (08/21/08)
“Moommmm!” the drawn out cry of my teenage daughter pierced the quiet of my office. With a sigh, I laid down the check book I was desperately trying to balance and pushed my chair back. Before I could even get to the door however, she was standing in the door frame, tears running down her cheeks.
“Honey, whatever is the matter?” I put out one hand to brush the long brown wisps of hair from her face. As she began her diatribe over the latest offense life had unfairly handed her I could not help but picture the last few times I had gone on my knees in prayer before my Lord.

“Hear the cries of my pleas for mercy, when I cry to you for help, when I lift up my hands towards your most holy sanctuary” (Psalm 28.2)

Oh the patience that parenting requires! How often must we count to ten before responding to the demands of our loved ones?

Most mornings I am awaken to the soft kneading of my cat on my arm. If I do not respond, the kneading becomes less gentle, the meows more insistent. He wants breakfast and he wants it now!

When my husband misplaces some item he must have immediately, he calls with annoyance for me for help him find it.
And when my children want they come to me.

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6.9)

I think of what my bible study leader told us last week, “According to the bible, patience is a form of perseverance and discipline that allows us to respond to frustrating circumstances with grace and self control”

I find myself wanting grace and self control as much as I need patience! And I am humbled as once again I see myself before God, hands outstretched to heaven, my heart heavy with needs.

It feels as if so many others are counting on me. I am counting on God.

“I wait patiently for the Lord to help me and he turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40.1)
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Anita van der Elst
08/28/08
True that! What a wonderful, patient Lord we have. Lovely devotional piece!
Lisa Keck
08/28/08
Very well written. It speaks of truth. Thankyou for the reminder to be patient just as God is patient.
Lois Hudson
08/28/08
Good visuals - I see the crying daughter, the kneading cat, the needing husband. This makes good writing. And, of course, the premise of our need for patience is clearly stated.
Dan Blankenship
08/29/08
Good, solid entry.

I would have made it a little more personal, though.

A little more about the subtle differences between your specific circumstances and every other family's.

But definitely a good read.

Thanks for writing.

May God bless.
Sincerely,
Dan Blankenship



Joanne Sher 
08/29/08
Very good take on the topic, with, I agree, some great visuals. Enjoyed this read.