Being Patient is Hard

Being Patient is Hard

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Colossians 3:12

 

by Penny L. Hunt

 

“Can I have a cookie?”

Mom peeked in the cookie jar. “Uh-oh. It’s empty again. I’ll have to make more.”

“But that takes a long time. I want a cookie now.”

Mom looked at the recipe card and shook her head.      “I need more eggs. We’ll  have to go to the store.”

“I don’t want to go to the store. I want a cookie.” Frowning, I folded my arms.

Mom rubbed my shoulder. “I know. Be patient. It won’t take long.”

We went to the store and bought the eggs. I kept wishing we were already back home. Soon we were, and I helped add the ingredients for the cookies.

Mom put them in the oven and set the timer.

I looked through the oven door. “I think they’re done.”

“Not yet,” Mom said. “Be patient. Wait for the timer to go off.”

Ding! Ding! Ding! Mom took the cookies out of the oven.

I reached for one. “Stop!” She called out. Wait for them to cool.”

“I don’t want to wait anymore. I’ve waited all day.”       I grabbed one.

It was as hot as lava, and it burned my fingers. I dropped it. My dog rushed to sniff it. “No!” I yelled. “That’s my cookie.”

Mom swept it up and threw it away. “I’m sorry you dropped your cookie. I know being patient and waiting is hard. I have to be patient too.”

“You do?” I never thought about grown-ups having to be patient.

“Yes. When my friend is late picking me up for Bible study, I have to patiently wait for her. I want to be on time, and it’s hard to be kind when she finally gets here.”

I looked at the cookies. “I think I’ve waited long enough now.”

“Yes, you have.” She filled a glass with milk and put two cookies on my plate.

Being patient is hard—but worth it.

 

Penny Hunt(003)About Penny L. Hunt

Penny L. Hunt is an award-winning author, speaker, and blogger. She enjoys writing for both children and adults. Penny lives in the rural-peach-growing region of South Carolina with her husband Bill, a retired career naval officer, and their two dogs. Visit her at PennyLHunt.com.

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