The Wednesday Word: Patience

Oh, yes the difficult word. How many times have you wanted patience, right now?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines patience as “the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed.” Not always easy is it?

As a caregiver to a husband with physical challenges I have been getting a crash course in patience, not always with passing grades. The biggest challenge has been dealing with doctors, something I do not do well. Especially when well meaning people remind me it is my duty.

Seeing caregiving as something I have to do does not work. But when I see it as an act of love, everything changes.

Being patient with a spouse, children, co-worker, boss, doctor, friend or the world in general is not easy. But I am learning during those times when patience is wearing thin, or gone altogether to remember I love this man and stop, take a few deep breaths and say the prayer for protection or a quick, God give me strength or God give me patience.

Patience is something that does not always come easy. It is something that must be practiced. And most of us get plenty of opportunities to do that. So hang in there and try to approach difficult situations out of love rather than duty or obligation.