Patience is a virtue that any newlywed must undoubtedly acquire--or so I've heard. This has proven to be a struggle for me at times, but thankfully I came across a great book that gives me a new and refreshing outlook on what patience really is, and why it is so important.
Life on the Vine; Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit, by Phillip Kenneson has been a God-send for me. It devotes one chapter to each virtue, and the author approaches the subjects from a new and interesting angle, while still keeping it biblical. The book doesn't relay its lesson's to engagement or marriage--that part is up to me, but its not difficult to see their relevance to mine and Walker's preparation. In his book, Kenneson makes the observation that without patience; peace and forgiveness become difficult...and sometimes impossible. He writes:
"Patience is a necessary prerequisite for establishing peace. One's willingness to be wronged, to absorb evil patiently without retaliating, helps to break the cycle of vengeance and opens up the possibility for healing and peace. Hence, though forgiveness is a constitutive practice of peace, forgiveness is unimaginable apart from patience."
I began to imagine my marriage with Walker without forgiveness and peace. I didn't like what I saw. Then I let my mind wander to what my relationship with God would be like without forgiveness and peace. The thought was truly scary enough to make me want to cry. One of the most endearing qualities of the God I worship is His willingness to forgive, and to provide peace. Both of those things stem from the fact that He is "slow to anger." [Numbers 14:18]
This is probably the one quality of Christ I would most like to adopt at this point in my life. For planning such a joyous event, there sure are lots of ways to get angry while planning a wedding. Guest lists that are too big. Budgets that are too small. Endless searches for yellow high heels [anyone know where I could find an adorable pair for an affordable price?]. There are so many little things that I find myself losing patience with. And if I can't learn to be patient while planning this wedding, how can I expect patience out of myself when I'm in the throws of my marriage?
Over the next few days I want to better understand the virtue of patience, and how it allows room for peace and forgiveness. I want to praise God for the patience and mercy He offers me, and learn from Him how to better exercise patience with others. When I am married, there will be days where my patience will surely be tested--so may I use this time to strengthen it. I would love to become a bride-to-be who has the ability to patiently wait; on her husband, on others, and on God.
::::Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.:::: --James 5:10-11
No comments:
Post a Comment