Patience

Patience………

As many that know me well, know that patience is not one of my virtues.  Last May, I woke up to get ready to head to Phoenix to see my son’s and their family.  My flight on American Airlines was scheduled to 11:10.  However, I arrived at MSP airport two hours early as scheduled only to find out the plane was delayed.   The plane had arrived the night before and there was an issue with the breaks which they had to order a part for.   The ‘new ‘time of departure was 12:30, then it became 3:00. Then 1:30 and then it was 2:30.  I wished I lived closer to the airport so I could have gone home but with all of the changes, that probably wouldn’t have mattered.  Thank goodness for the Internet, my cell phone, nice conversations with others waiting to head to Phoenix, the time hasn’t been as bad as it could have been.  But then – ask me in an hour if we still haven’t left yet. 

As I think about the time I have spent here at the airport, I am surprised at myself for not getting crazy frustrated with sitting here.   I’ve been able to get some blogging done, visit on the phone with friends I haven’t talked to in a while and just sit back and people watch. 

My reflection is, what am I learning from this?  I’ve been thinking lately about what God is trying to say to me.  What direction am I going in?  Am I going in the right direction?  Am I hearing what God is saying?  Am I doing what God would have me to do?   I’m finding that I am in the time of my life where I sense I am where HE would have me to be and I’m enjoying that more than I could ever imagine.  

Earlier this year I was feeling that things were happening so fast and I wasn’t sure I was listening.  

I’ve been able to sort things out, regroup and feel that I am listening to Gods direction and finding myself so excited to see where He is taking me.  I’m able to let go of some things and allow others to take over.  I love seeing other’s grow in Him also and watch them being led in the direction of where He would have them be.  I love to follow God’s direction to encourage these precious people in my life.  Reminds me of Proverbs 19:11 which reads a person’s wisdom yields patience, it is one’s glory to overlook an offence. 

As I reflect on patience - lack of or allowing myself to be more patient, I’m able to sit back and wait for things to happen and see what He is doing in my life.  Putting it down on paper wheree I am in life and what God is doing in my life whether it’s big or small.   So perhaps I’ve leaned my lesson….   Maybe yes maybe no. As I finally boarded my flight, it seems patience has paid off.  It’s the little things in life for sure……  

What is it in your life that seems to hold you back?  Or is there anything holding you back?  Do you know what your direction is for your life?   What is your purpose with what you are going through? Often we just need to sit back and wait......  Not always an easy thing to do now is it?   But patience does work as a benefit for waiting for that answer to move forward for sure......  

Reflecting......

Reflecting......

When my life changed dramatically about 20 years ago with the loss of my husband.  It seemed for several years I was uncertain where my place was as a widow.   So many things had changed.  My kids had grown up and moved on with their lives, I eventually received a new additional title in my life with becoming a Grammy.  I felt my life needed a new direction and I began to figure out what that direction was. 

Reevaluating....

The fall of 2015, I took a 4 week class on Navigating the Seasons of Life.  This was a class to see what we can learn about themselves.  We looked at our past, our present, our future and what we had learned about ourselves.  Or did we learn anything about ourselves…….

I find these types of things fascinating…..  We all have things in our lives that have happened that are both good and bad.    By reflecting on my past, I would like to stop the cycle of things from the past, look at the positive things and bring them forward.  We cannot change our past but we can decide how we want to handle the icky things that have happened so we don’t repeat those things. 

What I learned about myself.......

For me, one of the biggest things I have had to learn is, to be my own person.  It’s up to me to make choices based on what is good for me and not necessarily everyone else.  Once I realized this, I discovered I have become more confident with who I am and what works best for me.  I know people are going to say we need to consider other people’s feelings.  That may be true.  There are times when we are making decisions that we need to speak with someone we trust.  However, not allowing others to rule our convictions, except for God, is what is important.  Some of the things I wish I would have realized at a younger age are:

• Be yourself - Don't let others tell you how you need to be.
• Stand firm on your convictions.
• Listen to your heart.  Only you know how you feel and what is right for you.
• Don't be afraid to try new things.
• Take some risks....   I say that carefully so that you will think things through on what to try.
• You are important and an individual.
• Be proud of who you are.
• Observe what has happened and said to you.   Take the good and throw away the bad.
• Remember - most importantly that God has a plan for your life and know He will direct you in the path He has for you.
• Most of all - be happy with who you are.  You happiness does not rely on anyone but you.

What does the Bible say......

One of the many scriptures that applies is Ephesians 5:22-24 which reads:  Then throw off your old evil nature, the old you that as a partner in your evil ways, rotten through and through, full of lust and shame.  Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better.  Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy ad good.  Clothe yourself with this new nature.  Perhaps you past isn’t full of lust and shame but there may be other things in your life that could be holding one back from putting aside the icky in one’s life.  Things like gossip, greed, wanting to be always right, not telling the whole truth, unforgiving and the list could go on.

As I work on applying these things in my life today, I find I am much more content with life and myself.  Do I still try to protect some people - perhaps and that isn’t always a bad thing.  One of the most important things I have learned is to take a step back when I am trying to decide what my next step is, pray about it, ask for advice and then make that decision. 

I or should I say we, will never be perfect but I do believe we can learn from our past to make us better people today.  

Your reflection.....

Perhaps today is the day for you to reflect where you have been, what accomplishments you have achieved, and what you would like to change about yourself.   This may be as simple as acknowledging or accepting what you cannot change.  Forgiveness for yourself or those who have hurt you.  We certainly have a gracious God that can take all the garbage away and make us that new person. 

I get it that sometimes that just seems to easy and it’s hard to give up the past.  However, our lives can be so much happier by doing so.   Think about it……  Wouldn’t you rather be happy and forgiving than to carry the burden of the past? 

We all have a story don’t we?  What is your story.....   Remember we can not change the past but we can decide how we want to move forward.  As you walk down the journey of widowhood,  I trust you will find peace with what you are going through in your life.  

Blessings to you…….   Remember God is on your side!!!