Moments That Test You.

A sweet girl at work today asked me "Do you ever have moments with patients?" To which I replied along the lines of "moments like...man how fast can I get to a lazy river and a raft?"

I won't speak for every health care provider but to say our patients don't teach us all patience seems impossible. I have moments. Moments where I feel stretched. Moments where I feel overwhelmed. Moments where I'm nervous. Moments where my patient yells at me over their frustration of their medical problems.

But then there are other moments. moments where your heart breaks for the patient. Moments where you would do anything to help and there is nothing you can do. Moments where you want to treat one problem but can't because their other diagnoses limit what you can do and all you can say is "I'm so sorry."

I have moments in all areas of my life. Moments where I loose patience with my husband. Moments where I loose the kindness. Moments where I need a break. Moments where I can do no more. Moments where I'm deficient. Moments where I feel deficient when I'm not.

Our lives are made of moments and these moments test us. These moments grow us. These moments shape us. These moments challenge us.

In The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Akempis Chapter 16 "Bearing with the faults of others" says

"Until God ordains otherwise, a man out to bear patiently whatever he cannot correct in himself and in others. Consider it better thus- perhaps to try your patience and test you, for without such patience and trial your merits are of little account. Nevertheless, under such difficulties you should pray that God will consent to help you bear them calmly"

This leads us back to James 1:2-4 "2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

I've written about this scripture before here:Count It All Joy

Friends in this year when I'm learning about thanksgiving I find days where I'm less than thankful. I had moments today where I was far from thankful and I imagine you have moments as well where you don't "Count it all Joy." In this season of advent let's allow God to work in our hearts and grow thankfulness in us. Let's be reminded that our trials are testing our faith and when we fail the test let's prepare harder for the next one. It's only when we are completely focused on Christ that we truly can count it all joy and deal with each difficulty calmly.

Friends I'm praying you will have joy and patience. That in this season of advent you will allow Christ to move in your life

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