“Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NIV)
I crochet a lot of blankets for babies. Recently I had begun one, when it occurred to me how well this particular colour went with my décor. I thus decided to pick up more yarn and increase the size of the piece. I now have a lovely warm throw for those drafty winter evenings.
Like knitting, one of the main skills when crocheting is to keep an even and consistent tension to your stitch. When this is achieved the finished product is something to be proud of, as it lays and looks beautiful, and retains its shape forever.
Likewise, learning to keep an even tension in regards to our attitudes and temper amidst our everyday lives is a skill worth cultivating. A friend of mine, when she begins to lose her temper or sees the children becoming impatient or angry is very fond of saying: patience is a virtue. I have heard her utter this so frequently, that I now find myself quoting it out loud when my temper is wearing thin. Jack Wellman in a Biblical definition of the word virtue, describes it this way: The word virtue has a lot of meaning and means many different things but can be a trait of disposition of character that leads to good behaviour.
Learning to control our temper, our annoyance, our bad attitudes by practicing the virtue of patience thus brings great reward to our lives, as the tensions we all have to deal with each day, and our reactions to them become much more even and balanced. Our behaviour and witness for Christ through our words and actions become much steadier and more consistent. Something I expect all of us would like to see within ourselves, for Proverbs 29:11 states: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. NIV
Today we will each be faced with various issues and problems, some small, some large, that may test and try our patience. And amidst the tension of them we will also each have a choice: to be a fool or a wise person who keeps themselves under control. I pray that we may all choose wisely.
Prayer: Father God, You have spoken through Your word, that like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Therefore, help me today to look to You amidst the various tensions of my day. That through Your guidance I will choose wisely and be patient and consistent in my attitude and temper and therefore build up my witness to others rather than tearing it down. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen. (From Proverbs 25:28 NIV)
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada
