When Mark described his experience in the check out line, I thought he might as well be describing me. So many of the things he described, I’ve done. Counting people’s items in line. Paying attention to who is last in the next line to compare and see who gets through first. Wincing at those dreaded words: “Price check on aisle 3…”

What Mark was describing is impatience, so it was particularly helpful that he preached on these three words from 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient.” How is it patient? Simple: it waits peacefully and it suffers long. I don’t think I usually wait peacefully. I’ll wait if I have to. And I can be peaceful if I don’t have to wait. But waiting peacefully? That’s a tall order.

But that’s what love is all about. As Mark explained, “this quality is essential for any human in a relationship with other humans.” That’s us. This doesn’t come easily to any of us. Whether your siblings are borrowing your clothes, or you can’t wait to finish driver’s ed, or the monotony of daily chores is wearing you out–patience is still required. “If it isn’t patient, it isn’t love.”

How are you doing at being patient, at waiting peacefully and suffering long? Are you loving those around you with patience? Two simple questions you can ask your parents and siblings to help you get at this:

• Would you describe me as a patient person?
• What do I look and sound like when I am impatient?

Then ask your parents:

• What steps can I take to grow more loving and more patient?

Categories: Monday Matters, five15 blog