DOES WORRY LEAD TO IMPATIENCE?

Webster's Dictionary defines patience as "the capacity of bearing trials without complaint, and calmness, steadfastness, perseverance". Here's my spin on it! Patience is "emotion you feel when you have all the time in the world to do the things you love to do!" It's much easier to be patient when you're not in a hurry! Here's an example. How much patience do you have with the airport ticket person when you have an hour until your plane leaves compared with "Last call for all passengers on Flight XXX? Hopefully you get the picture now of my definition!

I always thought I had a lot of patience. I do all kinds of crafts and people tell me, "You must have so much patience to do all that!" There have been times when that was very true. I have a great husband who provides very well for our family which has allowed me to be a stay-at-home Mom raising one child who is intelligent, loving, and easy going, but not perfect by any means. It's amazing how much patience you have when you have blessings like that!

It's lately I've been less patient and I think it's because of two things. One is lack of time because I've been much busier with my new Etsy jewelry shop. The second and biggest reason is worry. To me patience and worry go hand in hand. Our family is in a state of big change right now for our move back to Washington State. We are trying to sell our house in one of the worst housing markets in US history and it's only natural to worry about how things will work out. Impatience rears it's ugly head because I don't have all the time in the world! Back to my original example - when the plane is boarding you are worried you will miss it!

Now in the Bible, (of which I am a believer) the Lord tells us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry. I'll give you just a couple of the verses but I recommend reading the whole passage. Verse 27:"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" and Verse 34:"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." What great words of wisdom! It's just natural for us to doubt; to toss and turn in anguish. So that's what I've been praying for lately. That God will give me more patience so I don't worry about selling our house! He will bring us the right buyer at the right time! He knows what I'm worried about so I need to put it in His capable hands.

Is this making any sense to you? Are you worried about something right now? Accept the fact that worrying about it won't change a thing. It is such a waste of energy isn't it? You may not believe in God's word but I'm clinging to it with all my might right now. Each day has enough turmoil in it already without me adding to it with something I have no control over!

Did I answer my question then? Does worry lead to impatience? Well, if patience is calmness, in times of trial then I think the answer is a resounding yes! What do you think? How do you deal with worry. I'd like to hear your comments!