“Be Patient with Me”

For students it is a time of panic when assignments need to be completed in order to have enough time for the major end of year projects. Our children begin to scram together their notes for NCEA examinations. In our workplaces the pressures begin to build in finishing orders for the end of the year. Even the church becomes a place of demand with the need to get things in order before members begin to leave for Christmas vacations. September is the beginning to the end of year mess.

It is a stressful time; burdening, demanding and heavy in all aspects of our lives. In the parable of the unforgiving debtor in Matthew 18, we have this servant who makes this remarkable request in verse 29 which states: His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with Me’.

While this may seem relatable it is a reminder for us all to prioritize self-awareness. Perhaps it requires a simple trip to the mirror, asking, How am I feeling today? Prioritizing self-awareness is not a selfish act, it is a necessary one. Throughout September there is no shame in throwing positive affirmations at ourselves while we are staring into the mirror either.

Regardless of our personal situations, this request for patience seems to be an unspoken thought throughout September. Though silent this request for patience can often be heard by those of us who are observant within our faith communities and workplaces through the body language of those around us and even in hearing the sighs of frustrations.

Therefore ‘Be patient with me’ becomes a prayer in which we might add ‘Be patient with me and teach me also to be patient with others’. Though this seems quite a simple addition, it also becomes quite complex. It asks of us to not only consider and be aware of our own thoughts, emotions and wellbeing, but also to consider the same factors for others. Treating others the way in which we would expect to be treated offers a space for us to consider not only our own personal needs but also the needs of others.

This month let us not only focus on what needs to be done. We need to learn to be content with what has been done. Let us not grow weary in anxious thoughts of the future months, but rather find joy in what we have in our hands at the present. Through the stress of it all let us work together in eliminating the concepts of shame around asking for help. Let us share a cup of peace with each other that may be blessed and anointed with a simple salute of ‘Be patient with me and I will be patient with you?