Patience….

Yesterday was day four of painting.  We finished putting the second coat of white paint on the metal sections of the wall and gate of the orphanage and began painting the stone sections of the wall.  We are making good progress with the help of a sprayer.  A man, who helps the orphanage with maintenance work, heard that we were there to help with painting the wall.  He purchased a sprayer for us to use and to give to the orphanage.  We were also blessed to have another local man give his time to help us paint.  God has been very good to us today.

I have to admit that I really dislike painting.  I am not a very patient person and painting seems to be the tool God is using to hone in on that weakness.  I’m not quite sure who is praying for patience, but I can assure you it is not me.  At times today, I wanted to quit.  I was tired of painting, irritated, and impatient.  During those times, I had to remember that this is not about me.  I am here to serve others and provide for their needs, not provide what I want to give and how I want to give it.  Ephesians 6:7 reminds us to “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.”  When we serve wholeheartedly and put others needs before our own selfish desires, we can’t help but be a blessing to others and glorifying to God.  It has been my experience that when patience is the lesson of the day, it can cause great suffering (both to me and my teammates).  So, I have to keep everything in perspective.  Romans 5:3 says “we rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  With another day of painting ahead, I am sure that my lesson isn’t over, but I know God is working on my perseverance, character, and willingness to serve others….and that’s okay.  In the end, I will be the one who receives a much greater blessing than those I served on this mission.

Amy

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