Yes...Everyone

There are a lot of things I read in the Bible that challenge me. But come on, Paul, you can't be serious! Everyone!?!?

I'm a High "S" on the DiSC profile, which means, generally speaking, I have a level of patience that comes through my natural personality. That said, I have what I call a flaring "D", which kicks in when I make a decision or think something needs to be done. I want it done yesterday, and can't understand why it wasn't. This is especially true when it comes to certain people who just rub me the wrong way or annoy me. (Any therapists out there, this is your invitation to reach out.)

"Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) 

Be patient with lazy people, too???? Come on!!!

The reality in my life and business is that when I prioritize patience over power, I generally get a much better result. It offers time to allow a process to mature and take hold, helps me avoid snap decisions I regret, and gives time to gain perspective. And it honors and respects people. People who are different than me, whom God created and loves.

Most good things in life take time. Think about the difference between a weed and a grapevine. Weeds grow almost instantly, but damage everything around them. A grapevine takes 2-3 years before producing fruit suitable for making wine. The first year is primarily for developing deeper roots and a strong structure to ultimately support the fruit in future years. It takes patience and process… and it's worth every bit of it.

Where do you find a lack of patience that is disrupting your harvest? Who do you see as a weed, that is really just a grapevine working to mature? I know, I don't like the questions either. You have to pull the weeds and prune the vine for a healthy plant, but don't rush to judgment on what should be pulled and what should be cut. 

Be patient with everyone. Really? Everybody? Yes... everyone.