What I've Learned About Asking the Lord for Patience....

I've learned from a five year old....

Mom: Do you want to go see Santa today, with Aunt Stephanie and Sami?
C: NO! NO! NO!
Mom: Sometimes mom likes to spend time with Aunt Steph & Sami. Mom's like to spend time with other mom's.
C: (no sympathy) NO! I wanna stay home.
Mom:  We can go see Santa, have lunch with your old school friends, then go see Tangled?
C:  NO!   I just want to see Tangled and come home.
Mom:  (Fears she has raised a loner.)

Long, drawn-out, back and forth conversation about Santa, lunch, and Tangled. Not going to be the mom forcing her kid on Santa's lap. But I thought it would be a fun little outing.

Five minutes of quiet and sulking.  By both of us I think.  I really wanted to see Santa!

C:  I'm sorry.
Mom:  What are you sorry for?
C:  That I don't want a picture with Santa.
Mom:  That's okay.  Thanks for saying sorry.

Fifteen minute break.

C: I want eggs and bacon for breakfast.
Mom: I don't have bacon, I have sausage.
C: Okay. I want the sausage in the eggs.
Mom: Okay.  I can do that.

Five minutes later....

C: Where are my eggs?
Mom: It takes a few minutes Caleb. They'll be ready soon. Is that how you should ask?
C:  Sorry.

Ten minutes later.....eggs are mixed, about to go into the pan. Sausage is 75% done.

C: I changed my mind.
Mom: (I'm thinking, about Santa? Do we still have time yet to get there to meet the group?)   What did you change your mind about?
C: I want a cereal bar for breakfast.
Mom:  No.  We're not doing that.  The eggs and sausage are about ready.  You can't change your mind now.
C:  Runs off to the bathroom crying.
Mom:  Caleb, stop crying over breakfast.
C:  Comes back and tosses a dirty sock at my feet.
Mom:  What is this?  Why did you toss that at me?
C:  (Comes to pick it up.)  Because I'm tired.
Mom:  Please go put it away...
C:  (Sluggishly bends over, picks up sock and puts it away.)

Welcome to my morning......

A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.  Proverbs 14:29

Was it worth arguing over eggs & sausage and a dirty sock?  No.  I did find within myself some patience and used it.  For those that would like to know the end of the story.  I uttered not another word.  I made his plate with eggs, mixed with sausage and one sauge pattie cut up on the side.   A dollop of ketchup and a glass of orange juice.    I set it at the table, all the while telling myself to not say anything more.

Before I knew it...his plate was emtpy.  Five minutes later he wanted a cereal bar.  And then another.  I'm glad we didn't argue because I seems he really was very hungry today.  He ate the eggs and two cereal bars without wasting anything. 

Life is good once again!