Colossians 1:11-12 "...Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, who has quallified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
As a teacher, I know that in order to master a concept, a student needs multiple exposures to it. If he is to internalize and truly understand it, he needs continual review and opportunities to apply it. Once is not enough.
As a student, I wish I could fully comprehend and apply a concept at first glance. I don't want to have to go over it again and again. I want to move on to something more interesting.
God is the Master Teacher and He knows full well that I, His student, am a slow learner, particularly when it comes to patience and longsuffering. I wish He would instantly infuse me with those two qualities, but instead He chooses to give me multiple and varied opportunities to learn.
My wife and I are in the midst of such a learning experience. Our "grand adventure" of building a new home and retiring near our family in southern Utah is not going according to our schedule. (Does it ever?!) We thought we would be getting settled in our home by mid-July. It is now the beginning of September and we're still a month or so away from the house being ready to occupy. Our California home closed escrow two weeks ago, so we (along with our four dogs and three cats) are officially "homeless" for the time being.
God knows how difficult it is to master the trait of patience ("being willing to remain in a situation until God chooses to remove you from it or it from you"). Paul indicates that it requires my being strengthened with all of God's power in order to exercise patience joyfully!
When my patience is tested and my joy fades, I tend to get "tunnel-vision"; my focus narrows to include only the negatives. How do I get out of this place? How do I restore my perspective and joy? For me, the answer is counting my blessings, remembering God's faithfulness in my life. Tied to being strengthened with God's power is giving thanks for what God has done and promises to do. He has been answering my prayers and giving specific direction each day, but I have been taking those for granted and focusing more on my frustrations.
As I shift my attention to my Heavenly Father, my frame of reference broadens and I am able to put my current frustrations into a more accurate context. When that happens I am better able to endure and enjoy my adventure.
Dear Lord, please forgive me for trying to force Your plan into my time schedule. I know that Your schedule is perfect, that You are never tardy. Please help me to keep my focus on You and enable me to enjoy today, knowing that You have tomorrow taken care of. I love You and look forward to seeing You work things out.
Amen.
