I snapped at a friend once. Straight away I apologised for the use of my sharp tongue. I was getting frustrated and impatient at situations and I just ended up lashing out. 

Anyone ever done that? 

She looked at me graciously and told me not to worry. She thought I was one of the most patient people going, considering I had 5 kids and a ton of things to do. 

I probably would agree with her on that point. I think I am quite patient with people. I tolerate a whole heap before I end up biting someone’s head off. It’s usually with people I am close to that gets a whip of my tongue! 

The reason I am patient with people is because I can see them. I can gauge, more or less, how people may respond and how I would need to respond back accordingly. Plus, I may never see a certain person again for a while, so being patient with them in the moment is easier. 

However, when it comes to situations I find myself in where I am waiting for something to happen, I find myself being like a little girl in a sweet shop wanting what she wants…and now!

At first, I am ok. Slowly though as time progresses and I am still waiting for answers and situations to resolve, I find myself getting restless. When it doesn’t go my way or how I planned, I start to feel angst. I feel I lose control. 

That’s when I start to snap with people. Not because of them, but because of what I am going through. 

I am impatient!

I forget at these times who has me when I lack patience. 

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! Psalm 22:26

In these moments, I forget who walks by my side when I lose my patience. 

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 hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I forget in these situations who I can turn to when I feel anxious.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

This is what I need to remember next time I lack patience in a situation which does not go my way:

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. Psalm 37:7-9

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This was written for the Five Minute Friday Community, where a number of writers gather for a weekly writing challenge around a single word prompt and write to our hearts content, but only for five minutes (or there abouts).

This weeks word prompt is ‘lack’. Click here if you want to see what other people wrote. You can also have a go yourself. What do you think of when you hear the word ‘lack ’?