On the first few days my husband was gone for business, the kids and I would do some fun things. We ate special meals. We watched fun movies. Sometimes I’d let the kids sleep in Papa’s spot in our bed.
Then life returned to normal, and for a week or two everything would go smoothly.
After a few weeks though, I’d be tired. The kids would miss their dad more–especially if he called and talked with them. Bedtimes became tear-fests, disobedience became more common, and the kids fought constantly. My patience would wear thin, and thinner, until it was gone.
I’ve discovered that patience is not something I can conjure up. I can’t pretend patience. Instead, I give in to whining. I let a temper tantrum go undisciplined. I do the kids’ chores because I don’t want to deal with their attitudes, or… I end up yelling at them and saying things I shouldn’t. So much for patience!
God says patience is a fruit of the Spirit. In order to have patience I need to have God. I cannot be truly patient in my own strength. God wants to work His patience in me, but for that to happen I need to be reading my Bible, spending time in prayer, and oh, yes… keeping myself healthy.
Our bodies, spirits, and emotions are connected.
Growing in patience as a married solo mom means taking care of your body by getting rest and your spirit by spending time with God.
Hire a sitter so you can sneak to your room and have a much-needed nap.
When you’ve had your rest, read your Bible and spend time in prayer.
Listen to worship music to help keep your mind focused on the things of God.
You will find, as I have, that when your body and spirit are rested, you are more able to allow the Holy Spirit to help you. Patience, although still a practice, becomes less of a chore and more of an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to reveal His power in your life.
Carla Anne Coroy is a speaker, blogger and author of Married Mom, Solo Parent
. She’s been married nearly 20 years and is living in Canada with her husband and four homeschooled teens. You can find her at www.carlaanne.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorcarlaanne.
March’s Rooted in Christ theme is Patience
Reading God’s Story Schedule today, 3/20/13: Joshua 7-10.
Join hosts Page and Cindy on Facebook where we are discussing today’s reading. Everyone is invited to join by clicking the ‘Join Group’ button. We have 500+ women reading the Bible through together! Join us and invite your friends too
About Carla Anne Coroy
Carla Anne can be described in one word: passionate. After just a few minutes with her it is evident that her biggest passion is people. Carla Anne is an accomplished Christian author, speaker and business woman. Her favourite way to spend her free time is hanging out with her 8 kids (an even mix of sons, daughters, and in-laws) and many family “add-ons”. In winter you can find her cheering for her local hockey team and in summer she’ll be on the beach!
