Proverbs 16:32 — Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
The Lord has a funny way of using my children to teach—and convict—me.
Let me explain.
On Thursdays, my daughter Stella takes piano lessons, and I usually stay while she practices. Recently, though, I needed to run a quick errand during her lesson.
As we were walking out the door, my youngest daughter, Ada, announced she needed to use the bathroom.
No problem.
Ten minutes passed.
Then fifteen.
I kept calling through the door, “Ada… are you almost finished?”
I even walked in to check on her.
Keep in mind, piano lessons are only thirty minutes long.
Finally, I said, “Okay, Ada, Mama needs you to hurry because I have to run an errand.”
Without missing a beat, my five-year-old looked at me with the most matter-of-fact expression and said,
“Patience, Mom. You know what that is?”
Whew.
I almost came unglued.
The Holy Spirit stepped into that bathroom with holy conviction and completely dropped the mic.
Looking back, I’m so grateful God helped me pause instead of react.
Because Ada was right.
I thought I was being patient simply because I wasn’t raising my voice.
But God showed me there was still a deeper place for me to grow.
Proverbs says,
“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
Sometimes the greatest victory isn’t getting control of your schedule.
It’s surrendering your spirit.
The very thing I thought was delaying my day became the thing God used to shape my heart.
What I saw as an interruption…
God used for transformation.
And honestly?
My errand wasn’t nearly as urgent as I thought it was.
Time was never mine to control anyway.
Sometimes the growth we’re praying for doesn’t come through a sermon…
Or a Bible study…
Or a major life event.
Sometimes it comes through a five-year-old sitting in a bathroom.
So the next time life slows your plans, don’t rush past the moment.
God may be doing a deeper work in you than the work you’re trying to get done.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- What recent interruption or delay might God be using to grow your patience and self-control?
- When your plans are disrupted, do you tend to react with frustration or surrender?
- What would it look like today to value Christlike character more than staying on schedule?
