Words softly spoken with a dash of humor. Discerning eyes that reflected empathy. A peaceful presence that waited with sincere love. These are all traits of the most patient man I ever knew: my Grandpa.
He demonstrated the instruction in Ephesians 4:2 on a regular basis: “Be completely humble and gentle; bearing with one another in love.” He was forever the man who cheered me on as I tried new things: from playing piano, to working on science projects and fostering a love of reading by introducing me to Nancy Drew.
Not only were his words, tone and actions gentle, but he was a man of utmost humility. In my four plus decades, I never knew this man wrote speeches for four presidents until the day we laid him to rest.
His patience defined his love for family, friends, anad humanity. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” I Corinthians 13:4-5
Grandpa was the epitome of patience with two granddaughters who giggled constantly. And even when his body began to fail him. I visited him after his open-heart surgery. “You need a roadmap to keep up with these incisions,” I told him. He chuckled, careful not to allow himself a deep belly laugh for fear of the pain it might incite.
While his earthly frustrations intensified, so did his faith, his love for God and his patience.
His demonstration of this Fruit of the Spirit inspired me and others to keep persevering after God. That through drawing closer to Him, I too, would see more Fruit of the Holy Spirit, including more patience through His grace.
I hope you have a patient person in your life. A person you can always count on to speak truth, and reason, and love when the world is upside-down. One whose faith never seems to waver and truly believes; this too shall pass. Most importantly, a person who encourages you with love and patience to pursue after God and His promises and His gifts of His Spirit; to grow and redefine your faith to a deeper, personal relationship with a heavenly Father, a God he knows and desperately wants his loved one to know. One who will pray you there, with unending patience.
Won’t you join me in a prayer for such a pursuit?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your gifts of the Spirit. Thank you for the gift of patience. You know I am still developing it and I desperately need Your Holy Spirit to fill me up and get me out of the way as I pursue You. Let me rest in You and not my own abilities. Thank You for the people in my life that teach me to draw closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.