Patience has never been my strong suit. As a child I even had a record album that sang about it:

Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry. When you are impatient, you’ll only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too. Just think of all the times when He has had to wait on you.

The worst part about the song was when the turtle—yes, turtle—sang the words as slowly as possible. “Haaaaaaave paaaaaaaatience…..” I hated it. The waiting was killer.

Sadly, not much has changed since reaching adulthood. I still struggle with being patient. And now I have two young children who like to stretch what little I do have. But having patience…and a positive attitude…is a necessary virtue. As James, the brother of Jesus, wrote,

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

The struggle is real, folks. But it’s worth it. Patience makes us better. It helps to strengthen us and perfect us. It’s hard to attain and easy to lose, but always worth having. And it’s always…always…worth the wait.