Love and Patience

Before Ben and I left for our vacation to Colorado, I remember sharing with him something I was kind of scared to share. "Ben, I really want to grow in showing love and patience on this trip and I need your help." Yep, that's right. Love and patience. I wanted to grow in becoming a more loving and patient person, with him, our guests and those I encounter on the vacation. Why didn't I just keep my big mouth shut?

Fast-forward three weeks. Here I sit, waiting for my surgery for two broken bones in my ankle. All that occurred while on vacation, cutting a much-needed two-week vacation way short. I don't feel very loving and patient right now. I'm ready for this surgery to happen (note the patience) and actually be on that infamous road to recovery.

But, honestly, I feel like God IS answering my prayers! I saw countless people come to my side in Colorado to care for me while in trauma. I watched my husband and all my friends lovingly and patiently meet my every need. Upon arriving home, I was blessed by members of our life group showering us with meals, staying over night while Ben was gone and meeting needs around the house. Texts. Phone calls. Cards. Prayers. Yep. I've learned love and patience through watching others.

God is also helping make my desire a personal reality. I think most of us wouldn't enjoy being sequestered on the couch day after day, week after week. We wouldn't relish trying to wheel in and out of furniture or hop around on a crutch all day. We value independence and control. We relish productivity! Getting things done! Moving! Active! Being accomplished. Yet, it is these very circumstances that God is teaching me about love and patience! Loving others when I'm cranky and in pain. Being patient when I'm tired of waiting. In the quietness of these four walls, I've been meditating on these Scriptures that call out to my need…..

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14

"Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18

These verses give me such encouragement and comfort! How about you? Do you need a healthy measure of love and patience today? Ask God for help. Don't worry! He will never let anything happen to you outside his perfect plan for your life.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.