Patience and Contentment




"Hurry! I think they're only open half-day today," I told my son who was needing a haircut. His daddy was running errands and I felt bad if he would still be the one to take our son to the barber shop.


Waiting to be called, my son and I sat on the green, plastic chairs and as he started reading a car magazine, two little boys with their daddy caught my attention.


The first tyke just got done with his haircut and as his father rose from the barber's chair, he started looking at the glass shelves where some baseball cards and little toy cars were neatly arranged to be sold. He started peering at the baseball cards on top and yelled, "I want one now!". The daddy made some suggestion and gave the names on the baseball cards to which the toddler said, "No!" The father carried him on his arms and he started bawling, "I want one daddy! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh," the crying started to fade as the door closed behind them. Everyone was just smiling after witnessing what had just transpired.


Another cute little boy emerged from the other barber's seat. With a little grin on his face, he calmly approached a green chair at the waiting area, as he waited for his daddy to get done with his haircut, too. He got up and like a big man, carefully held a magazine and walked back to where he was sitting, smiling the whole time and as quiet as a mouse. His little fingers were combing his newly-cut locks on the back of his head. He got up again and walked quietly toward the shelf where the magazines were laid out. He closed the magazine he was reading and neatly put it back on top. His daddy got up from the chair and smiling, the little toddler approached his daddy and out they went towards the door. He didn't even ask his father to buy him anything from the shelf. Everyone was smiling again and talking with our eyes, we seemed to agree that this little boy was the complete opposite of the other one. It wasn't the haircut that made him cuter but his gentle, quiet ways in him and that contented smile on his face.




When waiting for our Daddy to answer our requests [prayers], are we impatient like the first tot or are we willing to be calm to patiently wait for His answers? Should we get upset and bawl out when our answers don't get answered? What if our Daddy says:


1. "Okay, you can have it!"


2. "No! I won't give it to you."


3. "Not at this time."


4. "Maybe later."


How do we respond to those answers from the One Who truly knows what's good and bad for us?


Can we keep smiling like that second toddler, not even asking for anything but just contented that he had a haircut like his daddy; that he and his daddy had a great time together that morning?


Father, help us remember that when we learn to become impatient as we wait for our prayers to be answered, we must also learn to trust You, our heavenly Father, for You always have our best interests in mind. Give us a heart that doesn't conform to worldly things but help us set our minds on heavenly things. Help us dear Lord to be contented and be joyful with Your presence in our lives.


Forgive us for the times that when we want something, we tend to turn our backs on You when You don't answer our prayers. Forgive us when we become impatient and when we forget that everything happens in Your perfect time, a time that is completely different from the kind that we have.


Thank You Lord for the times that You carry us in Your arms when we cry for things that we don't even truly need. Thank you for providing us all of our needs. Thank you for making us co-heirs with Christ. Thank You for loving us unconditionally. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


[Contemporary English Version]:


Psalm 27:14 - "Trust the LORD! Be brave and strong and trust the LORD."


Proverbs 14:29 -"It's smart to be patient, but it's stupid to lose your temper."


Romans 12:12 -"Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying."


Isaiah 40:31 -" But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired."



8 comments:

  1. Rosel,

    "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Yes, He surely has met mine over and over again. In fleshly ways, patience is sometimes very hard for each one of us, but when we know Him so intimately, when we live for Him and He through us, we become content and learn to be patient despite whatever we are going through. Yes it is hard and we cry out in our times of desperation, but He will answer. He will. Maybe not in our timing, but He will in His.

    Wonderful post today sister. You are a treasured one.

    Have a blessed Sunday.

    Love you lots,
    Alleluiabelle

    ReplyDelete
  2. My husband says I'm just like my mother when I become impatient!!!! It's so hard to wait on the Lord. But the scriptures show us how to wait actively by standing on his promises allowing our faith to stretch. Ouch! I love the comment you made on my blog. I wanted to reach through my screen and give you a great big hug! Did you notice the scripture pic I posted. See, I'm learning! Thanks for all your help and patience. Ha.

    I'm wishing you and your family a blessed Resurrection Day. Enjoy!

    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is a great post. Yes we've all witnessed these various behaviors. So often, though, we fail to see them in ourselves.

    Thanks for the nudge to "behave correctly" in all circumstances:-)

    Easter Blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Greetings! I saw you over at my blog and I look forward to getting to know you better. God bless you and Blessed Resurrection Sunday to you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is so hard sometimes to behave as we should and just when I think I have a handle on it I behave like the first tyke!
    This story was "Very" convicting...thank you for sharing what GOD placed on your heart with those who need it most (me)!
    Hope you have a wonderful Easter! Love and prayers, andrea

    ReplyDelete
  6. I found you through a comment you left at my Glass House blog...isn't it wonderful the way we can find God in all the corners of our days if we just take time to look? These two boys made a perfect bridge to your topic of our relationship to our Father and prayer! May He bless you through this amazing Easter weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  7. May we all find peace in our hearts...God Bless you and your family.

    Love,
    AK

    ReplyDelete

"Faith is taking the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase..."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

All posts/composed songs copyright by RCUBEs.



Encouragers

GotQuestions?org

Friends