This time last year, I was considering my resolutions for 2015 and rather than a list of things I wanted to accomplish, I chose a word. Ironically the word was patience. Somewhere along the year, I lost track of my word, however, my word never lost track of me. This was a year of patience. The definition I used last year was quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence. I can definitely see those themes woven throughout the year, even when I may not have even realized it.
Perhaps because I was pregnant a good chunk of the year, patience was consistently a theme. Growing a baby is a slow process. And our sweet little guy waited an extra two weeks to make an appearance. I had to laugh today when I looked back and saw my word for the year was patience. Whether I wanted to learn it or not, my baby boy has taught me a lot about patience and a lot about living in the moment. From his late arrival to his sweet baby coos and snuggly demeanor, I never knew I could love so fiercely. And I have a feeling he will keep me on my toes for the rest of his life.
I also learned a lot about patience through launching and running a ministry to women in our local strip clubs. I kept telling people it would be a slow ministry, but telling people and fighting the discouragement that can bring are two different animals. As I look back over a year of consistently hanging out in a strip club, I can tell you I learn more about patience each time I go. I am continuously reminded pursuing relationships with broken people is never easy and takes time. However, this is what Jesus called us to do and time and compassion are exactly what is needed inside those walls.
The list could go on of ways I have seen God build patience in me. And while I am no master at patience, I can honestly say God used this year to grow in me a quiet perseverance. 2015 has not been one of long lists of accomplishments, career climbing, or resume building. However, it has been a year of sweet conversations, baby cuddles, and saying no to a myriad of activities. It has been a year of refocus and new identities. It has also been full of plenty of moments when I wondered what God was doing. I am still not sure in a lot of those moments, but I do believe with all my heart each moment was and is being used to teach me patience.
So see you later 2015. Thanks for the memories, lessons, and experiences.
