Reality check

I don't know anyone who likes their flaws being aired out like dirty laundry. I mean come on, we're only human...everyone makes mistakes and has their ups and downs, right?

Let me start out by telling you a little story about myself.

I was recently at a family barbecue. At one particular moment, I was helping my 3-year-old cousin put on her shoes. Once her shoes were on and secure, I lifted her out of the chair and, while making the airplane noise, I set her on the ground and she took off smiling and running toward the back door.

Someone (names aren't important here) asked me "you like children, don't you?" Before I could answer, someone else (someone close enough to me to know the real me) chimed in and said "no, she doesn't...she doesn't have the patience for them."

My mouth dropped and for a second I just didn't know what to say. For the record I love children and pray that God will give me a few of my own someday. But for that hot second, I wasn't too fond of adults!

For most of that day I was pissed. I couldn't believe someone would say something like that about me. And, as when most situations go sour, I tried to blame the situation on the devil - trying to get me all worked up and angry.

After a while I had to check myself. Was I really going to be upset over what someone else said to me? Granted, I don't want people thinking I'm a horrible person, but if I know it's not true, why be upset? Of course that wasn't the real issue. Was there some truth in what was said?

The key word in this entire story is "patience."

First Corinthians chapter 13, verse 4 (of the Amplified Bible) says "Love endures long and is patient and kind."

I admit to having very little patience. I hate waiting and if I ask some to do something for me, I'm looking for a more than quick turnaround. (Sad to say, but it's true). And most times, I don't even have patience with myself.

First John 4, verse 16 says : "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."

The moral of this story: If I don't have patience, I don't have love. And, if I don't have love, then I don't have God living inside me...and that just ain't cool with me!

Why is this revelation so important to me: because the bible says that when we come to know Christ (and not just know of him, but have a serious relationship with him), we are new creations. So, whatever hangups I've had in the past, I have to let go of in order to preserve my relationship with God.

And if impatience is what's standing in my way of being made into the new and loving person God wants me to be...then away it must go!