Life Outside the Cage

Many times in my life I have had to learn to w-a-i-t. Times where my patience was tested. For instance:

• waiting for the school bus on a rainy day
• enduring the grocery store express line behind someone with 30 items instead of 20
• handling the anticipation of my driver’s license
• squelching the excitement to open my Christmas presents

Those are actually easy examples. The true test of patience lies in those persevering, character-building moments:

• searching for a job after being laid off
• praying and watching for your prodigal son to return home
• trusting God to move in the life of a loved one

Such times teach us valuable lessons about life, ourselves, and the faithfulness of God.

My biggest lesson in patience has occurred in the last 5 months. I kicked off September with a stiff resolve and a gleam in my eye as I set out to get healthy. Only “good” food adorned my refrigerator and pantry shelves. I arose early to walk my neighborhood as well as adding strength training. My next decision changed my life. I popped in an exercise video to do cardio . . . 30 minutes later my knees were no longer the same because of an exercise performed wrong.

I tried not to be discouraged as days passed with no improvement. A vacation I had saved for and anticipated commenced in great pain. X-rays, ice packs, and medicine held no results. I waited with an attitude of hope. Finally, to physical therapy I traveled. I performed my exercises like a good little patient for eight weeks, yet I still shuffle through my days with pain and stiffness.

I had goals and dreams for where I wanted to be for important upcoming events: traveling to DC to talk to the Congressional women’s caucus, my nephew’s wedding, and my 30th high school reunion. Every day instead of thinking of it as a setback, I am clinging to the sentiments of Colossians 1:11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.

Each day I strap on God’s strength and ask for enduring persistence and fortitude. I am learning a lot in my school of patience.