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Posts tagged ‘First Epistle to the Corinthians’

Patience

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Patience is a quality of heart that can be greatly enhanced with deliberate practice. ~ Dr. Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

Patience is a gift of time. It is a state of allowing yourself and others to take their time, to be who they are and to wait. It is a very kind and loving action, but it is not easy. It takes practice.

It is said patience is a virtue and in the Bible there is a verse that starts with: Love is patient… (“Love is patient, love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4–8a)). Could it be said that patience is a form of love (as is kindness)? I believe it is. Patience may not always be the easiest to deliver; but, it is readily available in our hearts to give when we deliberately think about it and practice it.

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Patience is definitely a quality of the heart. The more we practice patience, the more enriched we become as human beings.

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Love is a Fire…

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Joan Crawford stated, “Love is a fire, but whether it is going to warm your heart or burn down your house, you can never tell.”

I beg to differ. While I believe love to be a powerful emotion not unlike fire, I also believe we have a choice, where emotions are concerned. Yes, it takes a certain amount of self-discipline to not get caught up in our stronger emotions, but we are most certainly the captain of our own hearts. In February of last year I went into detail about 3 types of love (agape, philia and eros). Agape love is the purest and unconditional form of love.

Agape love would never burn down your house; however, conditional love does have the potential to hurt your partner, your family and yourself. Love with attachment to characteristics, physical traits, events and other circumstances is seemingly destined to “burn down your house”. The good news is that all you need to do is to make a mind shift and change your perspective. Love and appreciate yourself and your loved ones for who they are. Let go of the conditions and release the circumstances, which are temporary.

When you are disappointed or upset with yourself or your loved ones, examine carefully why you feel that way. In the grander scheme of life, does the circumstance of that moment really matter. So what, you or your loved one made a poor decision, or did something seemingly embarrassing, or fill-in-the-blank… when you truly love yourself and family unconditionally, the hiccups, mistakes, embarrassments, obstacles do not matter. Your house does not have to burn down. Open up your heart and communication with your loved ones. When you are ready to forgive the momentary lapse of reasons (your own as well as others), you will feel a huge uplifting. You will breathe easier and find joy.

Remember: 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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Let me add my own quote, “Love is a light that ignites the hearts of others while maintaining a spark in your own.” When you can say, “I love you” to others and truly mean it without conditions and attachments, you WILL feel joy. It give me great delight to express my love to each person who reads my article today. I deeply appreciate and love you! Happy New Year and Happy New Life!

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Practicing Patience

A gift of love and kindness is made when practicing patience, especially with children and those with less experiences. ~Dr. Angela Kowitz Orobko

There are times in our lives when holding our actions and our tongues are easier, but there are many times when it is harder. It is important to take a few moments to remember who we are, who they are and what kind of outcome would we like to see during these harder times. It takes self-discipline and patience.

Children and many adults can try our patience, but when we choose love, compassion and understanding, the outcome of the situation raises our level of energy to one that is more positive. Being love for each other is what Jesus would have us do because ultimately it brings out the best in everyone involved in those trying situations in our lives. It creates a life with little regret. It creates a joyful existence for ourselves where we bring joy and happiness to others through the practice of patience.

This brings to mind one of my favorite Bible verses:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

New International Version (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Consider mentally stepping back from any situation, whether sitting in heavy traffic, in the office with a menacing co-worker or with your more petulant than usual loved ones at home; and, take ten seconds to breathe slowly, and tell yourself, “I am where I need to be; worry and other negative feelings is not going to change the situation; choosing love and joy will make me feel better and may make the situation better for others, too.” Mentally rehearsing these statements in neutral/positive times will make it easier to put it into action during those negative times when you need them the most. Practicing patience truly is one of the best gifts we can give each other (and ourselves).

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