Learning to be patient

My girls are growing up!
My oldest just finished up her 1st grade year at homeschool co-op and is excited about entering 2nd grade.
My baby is running around happily disturbing her big sister and making lots of fun, laughable moments for the entire family.
We're currently working on potty training...fun stuff, I tell ya.

Each day there are moments I have to keep reminding myself (amongst the hectic summer schedules of soccer camps, birthday parties, and the like) how I must continue to practice patience.

I am reminded of a rose bud that hasn't yet come into full bloom, but is just waiting on the proper nourishment...and part of that nourishment is a patient caretaker.

Patience truly is a virtue that has to be practiced. It's not just some thing you learn to do overnight. With my kids, I am learning that now is not always best. Sometimes, it takes a little time...and I can afford to wait a little to make sure that what I'm asking them to do gets done in happy mode, as opposed to right now no matter what.

For example, I've learned that it can take a 6 year old 30 minutes to get dressed when it should only take 5...
But when I observed my daughter's process, I realized that she wasn't being slow out of spite. She actually was taking the extra time because she was motivated. She wanted to figure out the best outfit and piece it together just right. She wanted to make sure her socks were pulled up around her ankles just the right way so as not to bother her, and to make certain that her button down shirt was buttoned correctly. Everything had to match. There had to be pink in every piece of garment. And as frustrating as it was for me to wait for the process to unfold, when she finally unveiled her outfit, it dawned on me that I should just go right ahead and schedule in those extra 30 minutes every time I know she should get dressed to go out. Obviously barking orders to "hurry up" doesn't appear to work...so I may as well get with the program, right?

"Let patience have its perfect work".

Patience. I need more of it.