Love is Patient

As a mom, I oftentimes mark the passing of time not in months but in regards to my children's milestones. I might not be able to tell you what day or month it is, but I could tell you story after story about all that Ezekiel and Micaiah learned and accomplished in the past month. Milestones are huge; they're what we anticipate, rejoice in, and (let's be honest) gloat over. We love baby's first smile. We applaud baby's first crawling attempts and feeble steps. We show off baby and toddler's vocabulary. It's fascinating to see such a tiny, helpless baby grow and develop into independent personalities.

But I have a confession regarding those cherished milestones: there are moments I think, "I kind of miss the old days." Because, let's face it; once that baby is mobile, our house is even more of a mess. I once had a decently organized tupperware drawer; but for the past two years, it's been a "just toss it in there" and "good luck finding that lid" kind of place. And once that baby or toddler starts talking, the moments of quiet are few and far between - if even existent. What parent hasn't thought their toddler is on repeat?

We had a conversation in our house the other day that when something like this:

"This ladybug is much more fun!"
"Oh really? Much more fun than what?"
"This ladybug is much more fun!"
"Is it?"
"Yep! This ladybug is much more fun!"
"Yeah, you told me that, buddy."
"I need this ladybug. This ladybug is much more fun."
AAAHHH!

Zeke loves ladybugs. His "much more fun" ladybug is actually a magnet that has become a toy.

In the past few weeks, as my little boy has seemed to be on repeat,  I've realized two things:
1) I shouldn't try to read my Bible while eating breakfast and drinking my coffee when the kids are up. Because I think "repeat" happens most often then.
2) Love is patient.

When the toddler is on repeat  -- love is patient. 

When there's mis-communication with your husband -- love is patient. 

When the baby wakes way earlier than you want -- love is patient. 

When you're in a rush and independence says, "I want to do it!" -- love is patient. 

When you are beyond tired -- love is patient. 

When potty training is a slow-going process of one step forward, three steps back -- love is patient. 

When that "honey-do" still hasn't gotten completed by your husband -- love is patient. 

When the toys still aren't picked up after asking who-knows-how-many times -- love is patient.  

When you haven't had your coffee yet -- love is patient.

Patience sure doesn't come naturally. I wish it did. Or at least came with the "motherhood" package. But it doesn't.

In and of myself, I cannot be patient. I need the most patient One of all to bestow it upon me. I need to sacrifice what comes so naturally to my sinful self and let His patient Spirit live through me. I need to remember His remarkable patience with me.

"The fruit of the Spirit is . . . patience . . ." - Galatians 5:22