Patience, what's that?

I don't know about you, but I don't like to learn patience. I am always in a hurry to get things done, to get where I need to go, to learn what I need to know, etc. If I have to slow down for something, it is really easy to complain, to get a bad attitude. But, what if I am complaining about slowing down because God has something that He wants to teach me? Like patience.... ugh! I am like the person who says, "God, please teach me patience. But, teach me quick." I guess I am a slow learner. It seems that God has to take me aside time and time again to learn His patience - and I know that I still have a long way to go.
This week has been one of learning patience, and contentment along with it. I have been away from my husband and three children since last Tuesday, and today is Saturday. I have no hope of going home until tomorrow - maybe. You see, my daughter (Curly-Top) has been in the hospital since Tuesday (this is the third time since last June), and her doctor is in the Children's Medical Center of Dallas, and we live in Amarillo. So, here we are, hearing the doctors say, "Tomorrow, if....." And we have been hearing that since last Wednesday. So, what am I to do? I have some choices here. 1) I can sit back and complain every moment because we are here, and I have "so much to do" back at home. 2) I can be grumpy because I would rather be with the rest of my family back in Amarillo. 3) I can choose to accept this as a time that God wants to teach all of us (Curly-Top, me, and the rest of the family, too) something. What could that be? Patience - waiting on God to work out His will for us. Contentment - like Paul said in Philippians 4:4 & 11. By losing my patience I do nothing but cause others to suffer as well, nor does it help me in any way. By being discontent I am forgetting about all the blessings that God has given me, like a place where my daughter can receive the care she needs, my husband has a good job, my children at home are learning more responsibility and are trustworthy, I have other family and friends who love and care for me and my family. And, most importantly, I have a wonderful, loving God Who is with us here in Dallas, and my family in Amarillo, and with all of those who have accepted Christ as Savior. And, along with all of that, He is able, and does, meet each of our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
So, what does this have to do with you young ladies? Well, are you patiently waiting on God? Or, are you like me you want what you want and you want it NOW! Being patient means to wait on God, contentedly. Wait on Him to bring the right young man into your life - for the rest of your life. Wait on Him to guide you to the right school. Wait on Him to provide what your true needs are (maybe you don't really need that cute red mustang convertible). All I am trying to say is that we are all impatient very often. We all want our own way. But, God has a better plan for us; He will provide what we need, what we truly need, in His time. Meanwhile, let's be content where we are, trust in Him, and have a good attitude. God bless you!