Patience is a Virtue

I’ve always considered myself a patient person.  In fact, it’s something I take pride in.  When our kids were young, I did my best to maintain a calm, patient attitude in the midst of kids running in and out of the house, phones ringing, hubby wanting my attention, and all the other events of our crazy home.  When milk was spilt, kids were fighting, or a lamp was broken, I didn’t flip out and start yelling, embarrassing the kids in front of their friends.  I tried to be the nice, patient mom.

And, as far as hubbies go, mine is what many would consider “high-maintenance”.  (I mean that in the best possible way!)  Don’t get me wrong:  he is the most considerate, sweet guy.  He treats me like a queen and is helpful around the house.  In fact, he does laundry, cleans the house, and even cooks now and then.  However, he’s one of those guys that needs a fan to fall asleep, uses 4 pillows, has to have a particular kind of undershirt, etc.  Not fussy and primpy, just particular about certain things.  Luckily, he has me!  :)  I do my best to keep the home calm and approach his particular desires with a cool, patient attitude. 

So, between my kids and my hubby, I have my hands full - like all moms.  But, if I were to name what I considered my best traits, patience would be right up there at the top.  That’s why it completely floored and disappointed me when Todd told me yesterday, “You are NOT a patient person!”  I don’t know why he would say such a thing!! 

-- Ok, maybe I do.  --

It may have been the rolling of my eyes when he sat on the couch and asked me to help him take his shoes and socks off.  Then, a few minutes later, when he was grumbling and searching the house for his flip-flops, I may have let out a huge sigh when I got up to find them for him.  And then, my sarcastic remark, “Is there anything else I can do for you?!” might have made him think I was being impatient. 

I claim to be patient.  I do NOT claim to be quiet about it.  Apparently, it’s something I need to work on.