Fruitful Thursday : Patience

November's fruit of the spirit is patience. Ack! Patience, my Achilles Heel. Oh boy this could be a tough month. Patience is not my strong suit. I try, but if I have to repeat myself more than twice I'm more apt to grit my teeth, clench my fists and growl my next words. Or yell. Either way it isn't pretty. But I have faith! I can make a change.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13

The fact that this change will be so difficult for me is proof of how much I need to do it! I want my children to remember a mother who lovingly instructed them and disciplined them with direction, not anger. Not a stomping, huffing, raving lunatic.

Lest you feel the need to call social services, let me be clear and say that I don't become that raving lunatic too often. But I don't want become that lunatic at all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ~ Colossians 3: 12-13

I do have hope.

As I'm working my way through the fruits of the spirit I'm finding that even the order they're listed in makes sense. It seems that every fruit has prepared me for the next. Love helped me experience joy, joy helped me find peace, and I'm sure peace will be helpful in practicing patience.

There is wisdom in the Word.