Patience

But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

Patience has been on my mind lately. Not sure why, maybe I'm struggling with it, maybe my children are, who knows....but Ive been thinking about how important it is. And one things rings true no matter what. Patience and tolerance are 2 very different things. I'm sure you all know that already but here lately the two words seem to be getting confused with each other while being used to speak of our current culture. However, I'm not going there, I just wanted to "research" the word patience a bit so I could practice it more!!

As I read the following scriptures I am amazed at the patience the Lord has for me/us. I don't understand it, and most likely never will understand it (at least in this life) just how

P A T I E N C E (and loving) our Father is. At least for me anyway, HOW can He put up with me? I am in CONSTANT need of patience and forgiveness. Why is that? As I look at my inner self I shudder.....I shudder to think how the Lord can be so patient with me. Let alone forgiving and loving to such a rebellious one as I. This hymn says it ALL.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully He proffers me;

I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,

That for me, a sinner, He suffered, He bled and died.

O it is wonderful that He should care for me

Enough to die for me!

O it is wonderful to me!

I marvel that He would descend from His throne divine

To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine;

That He should extend His great love unto such as I,

Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of His side, pierced and bleeding to pay the debt,

Such mercy, such love and devotion can I forget?

No, no! I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,

And testify all my desires He doth fully meet.