The Fruits: Patience

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.

Galatians 5:22

    If you know me, you're probably aware that patience isn't always a quality I possess. I'm easily aggravated at things that take a long time, and I don't always handle situations with the utmost patience. Patience is a dying art, especially in a world where we have all the information we could ever need at our fingertips. The world is so fast paced, and people often struggle to slow down, and enjoy where they're at.

    

    But as an attribute that is found is so few people, it is abundant in my dear friend Britten. Britten is someone else I've been blessed to know, and exemplifies patience perfectly. She's on track to be an elementary school teacher, which also takes a special kind of patience. 

    Britten is slow-moving. But not in the way that she's always running behind or never gets somewhere on time, but with the larger picture of her life. She isn't in a hurry to move through college and graduate, and she's never waiting for the next big thing. Britten shows me how to be patient in the moment, and be patient with the Lord. 

    Just by being with her, her presence invites me to slow down, and enjoy where the Lord has placed me. To dwell in His presence, and live for the current blessings He's bestowed upon my life. She's taught me to not be so caught up in my future plans that I miss what's right in front of me. 

    The Lord places people in your life on purpose, even if only for a season. In this season, I'm learning to enjoy and appreciate the community the Lord has given me. While this time won't be forever, it's where I'm at now. By reflecting on His goodness and mercy, I can clearly see why the Lord has given me these people. 

    

    In the next few weeks of this installment, I encourage you to journal along with me. Reflect on your life, and examine those people in your circle. Do they push you closer to Christ? Do you see evidence of their walk with the Lord, and are they showing fruit? Even if you can't place a person to every attribute in this verse, you might be that person for someone else. Surround yourself with people who push you closer to the Lord, and in turn, you should push them towards your Father who loves you so dearly. 

    Enjoy where you are now, and be patient with the Lord's plan for your life.