Patience

Have you ever heard the expression patience is a virtue? Well, I feel as though lately I'm about to have a lot of virtue.

In pretty much all aspects of my life, I'm having to take a step back and have some patience. Remind myself that that things aren't necessarily going to happen at my pace or if at all. And that's easy to say and harder to do. It gets frustrating and it makes me crazy but I know that because of this waiting I am going to appreciate it so much more.

Luckily some quotes have come my way lately that help and so I thought I would share them with you.

"Wait on the Lord" is a constant refrain in the Psalms, and it is a necessary word, for God often keeps us waiting. He is not in such a hurry as we are, and it is not his way to give more light on the future than we need for action in the present, or to guide us more than one step at a time. When in doubt, do nothing, but continue to wait on God. When action is needed, light will come. 

-- J.I. Packer, Knowing God

"Now is your time. Become, believe, try. Walk closely with people you love and with other people who believe that God is very good and life is a grand adventure. Don't spend time with people who make you feel like less than you are. Don't get stuck in the past and don't try to fast-forward yourself into a future you haven't yet earned. Give today all the love and intensity and courage you can, and keep traveling honestly along life's path."

So if you're playing the waiting game, welcome to the club. It's not a very fun one. But here's to having patience even when you're feeling antsy. And knowing that you are supposed to be exactly where you are today and growing from it. (At least that's what I'm thinking) 

Speaking Truth

Yet again, it's been a while since I posted. I'm not going to pretend I've been super busy. I've been super uninspired.

And I've come to the realization, that's ok. It seems simple but in a period where I feel like I'm in a self proclaimed funk, it's necessary to remind myself of just that.

 The past year and a half I experienced a tremendous amount of growth in myself. I figured out the type of person I wanted to be. I daily felt inspired with different thoughts or ideas. I challenged myself but also trusted myself. I questioned some things and accepted others. And during this time I felt empowered, strong, ready to conquer the world or at least my world.

So here I am feeling like I'm at a plateau. Feeling like every setback is much bigger than it is. Feeling exhausted and feeling meh. Whatever emotion that is. Like I said, that's ok. Just like our bodies take a break from growing, I can take a break from growing emotionally. Sometimes it's necessary. It's ok if I don't feel like taking on the world today or if I'm uninspired. For now. I have no doubt that my inspiration will return and I will soon feel like changing the world again.

 But for now, people have unknowingly helped me find peace but speaking truth in my life. Whether it is my mom who is amazing about speaking truth in a kind, loving, but practical way, my bible study unknowingly sending out the perfect scripture in an email, or catching up with friends who can empathize while encourage, all of these speak truth in my life in their own unique and special way.

So here's to being content. A constant struggle but worth the fight.

"Life is more than clothes and cars and a new flavor of toothpaste. It is community and creation and beauty and humanity...There is a serenity in life, after all, and once a withdrawal is felt at having left the lies behind, a soul begins to feel at home in its own skin."
-Donald Miller Through Painted Deserts