Thank God for his patience and tenderness with us.  We are often like toddlers who throw tantrums and act out.  We demand our way and get frustrated when it does not happen our way.  We get very afraid and angry. As a parent, we see our children act in ways around us that they will not act around strangers.  Children do that because they feel safe with their parents.  They know that parents will not leave them no matter how much they beg or plead or throw tantrums.

How many times are we that way with our God?  He gently pushes us in the right direction, just like we do with our children.  He ignores our “childish” behavior and quietly suggests a better, more mature, more productive option.  He sees our needs and understands our fears, just like we do with our children.  He waits for us to “get over” our “tantrums,” holds us close until we are calm, and then quietly asks, “Are you ready to let me help you?”  And sometimes, if we are not heeding his guidance, he uses a little more direct approach to open our eyes to the path we should take. But through it all, God is there.  He will never walk away.

Lord, help us to practice the same patience and tenderness with those around us that you show us every minute of every hour.