I don’t know how many times my mom told me, “Patience is a virtue.”

Since I’ve ALWAYS been high-strung, tense, irritable, etc., my share of this nugget of motherly wisdom was served generously.

And I don’t know why, but the lesson never stuck.

Patience.

It’s one of those “virtues” that I have serious trouble with. For so many reasons.

Life never, ever goes as planned. People never, ever meet my unrealistic expectations. I never, ever meet my own unrealistic expectations. There’s never, ever enough. Enough time. Enough money. Enough ____.

And it’s frustrating. Life.

Every day. Every moment. Can be relentlessly frustrating.

And I tend to bask, wallow and self-indulge in said frustration, which gives me “permission” or “the right” to be impatient.

I HATE this about myself. And I don’t say hate lightly.

Since God blessed me four little children (mirrors) I have become nauseated with my lack of patience. Motherhood: the ultimate selfie. I see my lack of patience every day in my mirror children. I see it in their faces when they receive it. I see it in their actions when they imitate the examples I have given them. It’s a constant reminder of my lacking in this virtue.

So how do I change? Is it possible to change the deep strongholds that have been sown in my family line for generation upon generation? To rescue my own children from a life of frustration, chained to impatience?

My cynical side says no. It says that “this is just the way that I am.” That “I don’t know any different.” That “I can’t change.”

But I know that’s not true.

Because God says: “Ask and it shall be given to you …”

Even patience.

Progress not perfection.

Slow.

Not fast.

Not instant.

Not perfect.

Progress.

It’s simple.

Freeing.

Just ask.

Believe.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the

glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.        -Ephesians 3:20-21

Categories: Life on the farm

Tagged as: ask Bible Ephesians frustating God patience Patience is a virtue unrealistic expectations virtue

Ginia

My name is Ginia Oehlschlager and I'm a small-town gal from Missouri. Join me as I document my crazy life on the farm with my husband and four kids. I'm always looking for frugal, simple ways to live the life God set before me. Where faith, family and fun come together on the farm.