It’s not always easy.

No, sometimes it’s very, very difficult

to have patience with others.

I don’t care if you’re driving and suddenly cut off by an angry driver

or buying groceries at the local store when someone pushes in front of you

or even in church where you experience the frustrations of another

 when you accidentally sit in their seat.

We all experience impatient people.

So what do you do?

How do you handle difficult moments like these?

I think it begins with each one of us.

First, let’s have patience with ourselves.

Yes, take a deep breath and accept your immediate reaction of frustration

and then give yourself understanding.

Yes, first give yourself patience.

And then look at that one

who rattled you so unexpectedly

and give them grace. Yes, grace.

Life is tough.

Pressures abound on every side.

We never know the difficulties another is facing

so give them grace

and whisper a prayer for that frustrated soul.

Again and again when I do that

I find that peace returns and once more I am able to move forward.

 

I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. John 16:33 Message