Good morning everyone!
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! One thing I reflect on as the years go by is the importance for family…and food! Christmas isn’t just about coming together but also remembering Jesus Christ, our Saviour who was born. To fulfil the scriptures, to then not only die on the cross for our sins but to rise again.
This week has been basically a whole week of eating food. From a housewarming party to Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch, Boxing Day afternoon tea and leftovers etc. I believe I have eaten my fair share of food, that will surely fuel me for the rest of this year…well til 2025. Which is like 3 days!
Anyway, just recently I was playing fetch with Luca our family dog. Keep in mind he is quite quick, and this is his close second favourite activity next to swimming in the pool. I threw the ball, and it hit the pavement. I didn’t notice where it went from there. But minutes past and I decided I’d find where Luca went, because he should have been back by now. I noticed him patiently waiting near the garden edge waiting for me to grab the ball that went into an area he is not allowed access to. And obeys well to our training.
As I saw him lying there, ever so happy, I instantly thought “Boi, could we learn a lot from our dogs.” Here he was waiting patiently, and so happy. In this life more than ever, life is about instant gratification. What do I mean? You can get what you want relatively quickly and constantly by buying online etc.
But patience is a virtue – Meaning to wait without being frustrated.
Hahaha, I laughed just now because I can relate. Just a few days ago, I was driving to my family on Christmas Eve and before I even got on the highway a car in the left lane pulls literally straight in front of me… note I am travelling the speed limit in the right lane, and there are no cars. Then the audacity (this is how I felt), as this blue car indicated in my lane he goes slower than the limit. Forcing me to slow down…To top it all off, they were only inches from my car hood. Yes, I did move into the left lane moments later sussing what could have been the cause for such behaviour. I don’t think I’ll understand why they did that… right lane is for speed limit only and overtaking, there was nothing special about my lane.
But since I was just writing just now, I reflect that even in that moment it was an opportunity for me to learn patience. Grow some more. There were no road rage guys, so yous can be cool. Just internally I wanted to teach this guy how the lanes work.
God, there is so much we can learn from our furry friends. How loving they are when we might be in a rush, how they make us laugh out loud, or the patience they have. Which now also relates to the movie Hachi. Have you seen? If not, find time to watch it and grab the tissues. Again, we see that dogs have patience.
What is something in your daily life or long-term goal that you want, and need to learn patience? Maybe its lining up for morning coffee at the café, or cars in traffic, or even for your business to expand or for a wedding band. Whatever it is, one thing is true and that’s patience.
Love in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4 is patient. We ought to be more loving as patience comes from love – so wow how much our dogs love us. But also, God, wants us all to come to repentance [2 Peter 3:8-10] which is to be saved through the truth [1 Timothy 2:4]. His love for us is so GREAT that He is patient with our walk and journey with Him.
I feel like Luca could have easily and happily waited for me, which reminds me of God’s character.
Coming into the New Year, 2025, I see even this past year feels like forever, and how even in these short few days over the Christmas holiday has felt like time has flown. I remember with God a day is long, but what feels like many long years in a day is just a day to Him [2 Peter 3:8]. God doesn’t view time like we do. The one who created time, has so much loving patience for you and me.
I pray that God you would bless everyone that reads this blog, even those Lord that are seeking You in their day. Please give them the strength they need and patience to embody love to others. Lord, we know that Your timing is different, help us to trust in You, give You our worries and most importantly have opportunities to grow in patience. We thank You God for all that You are doing, working behind the scenes. We pray all this in Your son’s name Jesus Christ, amen.
God, You Amaze Me!
E
1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
2 Peter 3:8-10 NIV
“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
1 Timothy 2:4 NIV
“[God] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
God of Patience