Day 1603

If patience is truly a virtue, Ranger in the most virtuous dog in the world when it comes to the puppies. They adore him, find comfort beside him and pester him OFTEN! He takes it in stride and looks at us as if to say, “They will soon grow up…they are only babies.” His patience is infinite until it comes to “Tummy Time”…then all bets are off!

Trying to be a patient human is a bit more complicated. Whereas Ranger has no real deadlines, people have a vast number of calendar items, lists, appointments, engagements and surprise priorities. Things go swimmingly for me in the Patience Department until the final straw breaks the camel’s back. It could be knocking an item off a shelf as my “whirling dervish self” pushes through the day. It could be muddy puppies who suddenly need a bath or a pan of cookies that were left in the oven a couple of minutes too long. Whatever the impetus, the “patience crack” has opened.

When this happens, a few deep breaths and a quick “Blessing Count” puts me back on track. Being patient was modeled by a few family members and also friends who seem to have a deep well of understanding and acceptance.

Losing patience serves no one…. not yourself, not the target of your angst or anyone within proximity who might just be within earshot. We are, after all, constant models for others surrounding us.

After the deep breaths and “Blessing Count,” I hope to shake off any impatience and add peace to the world around me. Being more like Ranger is always a good path to follow…unless it’s Tummy Time!