“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love” Ephesians 4:2
Patience is a virtue we often find ourselves chasing like a dog chasing his tail. Every time we think we have a hold of it, something happens that pulls it from our grasp.
One part of RV life that causes me a test of patience is travel days. Packing up and hooking up is a step by step process, making sure everything is done and in place correctly. Once, at a rally, I got the RV weighed and in the broken routine I rushed. I didn’t patiently check all my steps – crunch. The tailgate wasn’t down and I backed into the hitch of the RV. Lesson learned that I need to always check my lists and not assume. Being on the interstate tests patience as other drivers impatiently pass and even cut us off at 65 MPH – hint 30,000 lbs doesn’t react like a Mustang. And lastly, arrivals. After 8 plus hours of hookup, and driving, we arrive at our next spot. Getting 62’ of vehicle in just the right place isn’t as easy as parallel parking a smart car. My beautiful wife is often my patience tester. Not that she is wrong in her directions or thoughts, but that my patience is short and my pride rears its head.
God doesn’t give a soul patience. He gives the soul moments to show this valuable fruit and times to ripen this fruit of the Spirit.
On travel days, I take each piece slowly. restarting when interpreted to not forget a step – like lowering the tailgate. On the drive, I pray a lot – especially for other drivers. And, when arriving, I take a deep breath and enjoy the partnership with my best partner – and, subdue my pride to be guided by her thoughts.
As we learn patience with ourselves (and others), we come to accept God’s timing in our lives and events. Hint: His timing is perfect and won’t be rushed.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12