Patience: How Can It Be Truly Obtained? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Patience: How Can It Be Truly Obtained?

The Lord has a perfect plan for my life laid out, and in knowing that, I can have true patience.

25
Patience: How Can It Be Truly Obtained?
Trading Patience and Avoiding Despair

Patience really is a hard thing to grasp. Many times, I like to think that if I just take some deep breaths, or pretend that I have a different reality, then I will be calm and have patience, but the peace that comes from that is short lived.

Patience can come in various forms. If you're like me, you pretty much know what you want to do with your life, but you can't quite reach those goals just yet. Personally, I am a 19-year-old college student. I want to be a teacher, but I still have three years left of college. Three years doesn't seem so bad, but it can also feel like an eternity throughout the school year, especially with the stress that comes from work. Here, I am reminded that I'm just not ready. I still have so many things that I have to learn before I can ever teach others. The things that I am going to learn throughout the rest of my college career are going to be so helpful, and through learning these things, I will be able to successfully teach.

An area where I find myself oddly impatient at times, and slightly jealous, is comparing where I am in life to others. I am at an age where it isn't a surprise that people are getting engaged or having kids. I desperately want to be a wife and mom. And while I am usually so happy for my friends who are entering these amazing stages of life, I become impatient with the fact that I'm not at that point yet. I am no where near ready to be a wife.

As much as I love love, it just is not my time, and that is totally normal. I have to remind myself that while I am growing up, I still am so young, and there is still so much that I can be doing now to prepare for my future family. I am reassured that someday I hopefully will get married and have kids, and do all of those fun family things, but now is not the time, and that is perfectly okay too.

I tend to get impatient sometimes with people. What I've noticed, is that this usually happens when there is a misunderstanding or if I don't get my way. Yes, I can be selfish. But how dumb is that? Rather than getting irritated with others, I should try to be more understanding and willing to do things their way. I really just have to show more love and trust to others, and ultimately, the best outcome can be obtained.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11.

There is so much comfort in knowing that my life is out of my control. As crazy as that sounds, there is someone who knows my life and what lies ahead. The Lord has a perfect plan for my life laid out, and in knowing that, I can have true patience. I may not know what exactly is going on in my life, or why it seems like I'm not quite where others are, but I know that the Lord is present and He is in complete control. Knowing that He is in control is all that I truly need, and is where my patience really comes from.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

799
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

26834
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

11223
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments