How would you fill in that blank today? The answer depends on what you need most. A husband putting together the monthly budget, wondering how to make X amount of income cover Y amount of expenses, might answer “I wish I had more money.” The mom scanning her to-do list while juggling an infant and with a toddler wrapped around her leg might answer “I wish I had more hands.” The parent or kid looking at the upcoming week of work, school, practices, rehearsals, projects, homework – not to mention the daily necessities of just living! – might answer “I wish I had more time.”
One answer you may not have thought of – patience. Patience is a virtue far too many people have far too little of. Including yours truly! The truth is, there are a ton of patience-testers in life. Sitting in traffic, difficult classmates and coworkers, even glitchy WiFi connections can sap our patience throughout the day. So by the time we get home to the family members who need it most, our patience is dangerously thin.
So how do we get more patience, especially for those we share a home and a life with? The answer might be simpler than you think.
Just look at how much patience your Heavenly Father has with you. When we see the patience God has for us in Jesus – as snappy, impatient, and sinful as we are – that makes all the difference. That’s what can truly empower us to be patient and forgiving with our family members!
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. For that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
– 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Questions for Kiddos (and parents too!)
For Younger Kids: When was a time during the last week when you got impatient? What could you do differently next time to show Jesus’ patience?
For Older Kids: Who is the hardest person to be patient with in your life right now? What’s one specific way you could reflect Jesus’ patience toward that person this week?
