Although my brother and I are only a year apart, we live entirely different lives.
My brother got married at 22 and as I begin to glance at 30, I am still single. He is the sole provider for a wife, three children and a very rambunctious puppy! After five years of the military life, he is now back in the Northwest and embarking on the next phase of his life. In the transition, he and his family moved in with me two months ago.
Suddenly living with three children - and a rambunctious puppy - has been a huge adjustment! Being a full-time student, I quickly realized that home would not be a place to get work (or homework) done. My grades definitely evidence the challenge of this transition. But yesterday I finished up the last of my work for the semester, posted grades for students, and stretched.
Time for relaxation. And play. My niece was quick to approach me... "Auntie, can you play a game with me?"
Sure, this should be relaxing enough, I thought. Little did I know that my patience was soon to be tested. We played the first game (which had no goal or objective or rules whatsoever) until I was falling asleep in the chair. To get us moving, I suggested a shopping trip to the dollar store for some stocking stuffers. I can't count the number of times I had to say "Hurry up, Missy" while we were out.
While making dinner, my niece and nephews were dancing around my ankles. Since I was running behind getting dinner done and it wasn't quite turning out, my patience soon became thin. Thankfully, everything turned out just fine.
After dinner, another game was suggested (this time a board game with rules, points and a clear goal!). I sat down with my niece and both nephews. The youngest needed a little help and between playing myself and helping my nephew, I had very little patience left for my niece as she pondered each move for a solid 2-5 minutes. I'll admit, by this point I began to become a little rough in my attitude towards her. The fifteen minute game was going to turn into 5 hours!
But as I begin to get ready for bed - hours after the little ones have been tucked in for the night - I find myself reflecting on the day. And I see God in those beautiful brown eyes. My niece's "Auntie... I love you" and spontaneous hugs and kisses are a beautiful reminder of the love God has for me. That little girl makes me feel special, cared for, and treasured.
I also see my fallenness as I reflect on the day. How short I fall from the command to "be holy as I am holy." See, God is patient. But I demonstrated impatience toward my niece today. I am so thankful that God doesn't deal with me in the same way that I deal with her. And I am thankful that tomorrow is another opportunity for me to interact with her - to love on her, play with her, and be patient with her. Because that is another opportunity for me to be molded into Christ-likeness as I strive to increase God's character in my life.
If God is patient... I want to be patient too.
