Hurry up with that patience, God

It seems to be that the hardest thing about trials and life in general is that we should be patient in them.

My friend Larry Hatcher who is in his mid 50's fell 20+ feet from the roof of a commercial building just over a month ago. He is healing but is in a deep coma. Larry was, until the fall, the constant at our church in many ways. He always made sure that the buildings were in order and took care of so many details that even if he went on vacation it was evident he was not around.

Of course he and his wife Allyson were always there at church serving in many areas, including the choir where I stood next to him singing the bass parts. His moto has always been two words, patience and perseverance. This seems to be the attitude Larry's family is having to take as there is no sure guarantee that he will ever wake from his comma.

Larry reminds me a lot of my grandfather, or Papa as I called him. As I knew him he was a very patient man with a determination to do it right no matter how long it took or how hard the work was. Although he passed away while I was in college I have many memories of lessons he tought me, just by watching him. I wish I could have had more time with him.

So today as I read James 1:1-8 I think of these two men who are examples of patience. Not that they are perfect of course, only Christ was the perfect example. It is great to be able to see it in action and know that it can be done.

So as I find myself lately needing to wait on the Lord for His timing, I am thankful that if it takes a long time to get to the goal, the sweeter it will be knowing that I have, through God's strength, reached another level in my walk and relationship with Jesus Christ. After all, He hung on a cross in my place. The least I can do is wait on Him to show me His will and worship Him for caring about me enough to make me more like Himself.