As much as I would love to flatter myself and say that all of my blog topics are generated by me, the truth of the matter is that many of the topics that I write about are inspired by the conversations and the lessons that I obtain from various friends. And while I am confident that this topic is, by far, one of the most relevant, I owe its origination to one of my newest friends and supporters. Enjoy.
It has been suggested that the widespread popularity of the microwave oven has caused our society to become numb to the concepts of preparation and process. With the invention of the microwave, we have been introduced to creations such as instant oatmeal, minute rice, and family meals that can now be prepared in all of two minutes and thirty seconds. And while I can surely appreciate the benefits that it has afforded me, especially with my less than stellar culinary skills, I must also acknowledge that the introduction of such a device has spawned the cultural acceptance of the ‘why can’t I have it now’ mentality, as we have become a society that has become completely void of a very important attribute…PATIENCE.
As a child, I wanted everything right now. And sadly enough, as an adult, I still want everything right now. Money, success, and happiness. Give it to me right now. I have prayed for it, meditated on it, and read books about it. That job, that relationship, that house. Give it all to me right now. And when I didn’t receive or obtain those things that I so desperately wanted, I became frustrated, stressed, and depressed.
“Son, you need to be more patient,” my mother would say. “Patience is a virtue,” my teachers would often recite. “God is an on time god. You need to ask God for patience,” I would hear the minister command. Taking his advice, I would simply kneel to my knees and ask God for the trait that so many others had commanded me to take hold of—patience.
For years, I have heard and in many cases, have recited similar phrases, only to display my own inability to exercise mastery over such an important character trait. However, as I was being encouraged to demonstrate patience, I completely lacked an understanding of how. Many of you are in a situation in which you must exercise patience. While you may be aware of this fact, you are completely oblivious to how. Therefore, you have resulted in engaging in the only methods that you are aware of, which consists of reciting interesting clichés and prayers. While I am aware of the value of prayer, without an understanding of how to exercise patience, you are basically saying, “Lord, please grant me patience…right now.”
Here are a few tips on how to exercise patience:
1) You must recognize, understand, and find value in the process. Your life has been a process to get you to where you are supposed to be. You are being built. As in any building process, there must be a process. The person that you are now is not the person that you were years ago. Recognize that it’s a process and enjoy it. Jot down those differences between how you were and how you are now. With those differences, write down the lessons and the experiences that led to those positive changes. By doing this, you can begin to appreciate the process.
2) Measure your progress against your own purpose. Many times, we become impatient and frustrated because we are measuring our lives against the materialistic representation of other people’s progress. By this, I mean that we often look at what others have been able to accomplish or the materialistic items that they have been able to amass. We do this in admiration of what we believe to be their progress. We then wonder why we aren’t able to amass the same possessions. However, progress is not measured by the acquisition of materialistic goods. You should measure your progress against your purpose and your mission. When you are truly dedicated to the progression of your mission and purpose, you now measure your progress against the goals and objectives of that purpose.
3) Have faith. I am sure that many of you have heard this before. But you must truly understand that where you are now is not where you will be in the future. Earlier, you acknowledged that you are not where you used to be. Therefore, your current position is not your final destination. Trust that God has something greater for you and your life.
4) Prepare. This is the period in which you should prepare for your final destination. Study. Read. Invest in yourself. You are not where you want to be because you are not ready. Stop waiting for your lucky day. Your lucky day occurs when preparation meets opportunity. Spend this time in preparation.
5) Don’t add 40 years to your 3 day journey. When Moses led his people out of Egypt to the Promised Land, their journey, initially, was supposed to be over a few days. However, with constant murmuring and distorted vision, many of them never reached the Promised Land. Sometimes, many of us can be so close to our breakthrough. However, through constant murmuring, complaining, and by not adhering to the vision of God, we either extend our waiting period, or sometimes, completely deny ourselves access into that land of milk and honey.
Yes, there is some truth to the statement, “Patience is a virtue.” However, we must understand how to be patient. With that, I now successfully pray, “Lord, grant me the patience to endure the troublesome times that attempt to overtake me. I know that you are preparing me to do many great things. Direct me in preparing for the moment that you will have me to work on your behalf…”
Thank you.
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