I am prone to impatience and self-criticism.
Anyone else?
It’s a character flaw, really. This impatience with myself with the slowness of my growth and this criticism of how imperfectly things flow out of my mouth or through my actions… This impatience with challenging things that demand that I change… things that demand my openness, empathy, and understanding… even when it’s hard…
It can sometimes feel like the growing pains of youth really are not isolated to youth after all.
And perhaps they are not.
We are meant to constantly seek growth and change, increased awareness, empathy and compassion… and that’s not easy and maybe even a little achy. But we can also be a little more patient with ourselves in the process…. because if we are not, we risk not trying at all.
I found this poem by Helen Steiner Rice that seems to fit the graces I need today…. maybe you need them too?
“God, teach me to be patient,
teach me to go slow,
Teach me how to wait on You
when my way I do not know.
Teach me sweet forbearance
when things do not go right
So I remain unruffled
when others grow uptight.
Teach me how to quiet my racing, rising heart
So I might hear the answer
You are trying to impart.
Teach me to let go, dear God,
and pray undisturbed until
My heart is filled with inner peace
and I learn to know Your will.”
I’m praying this morning for patience and understanding of ourselves today… but also the grace of perseverance to keep growing and changing towards the person God knows we can be.
What are you praying for today?
