Mark 6

I have been discussing with my wife and accountability partner an area of growth that needs a great deal of focus - way too often am not gentle with my wife or children. It emanates from my impatience, and that often results from my agenda or expectations not being met.

Mark 6 has a good example of one of those places where I would grow impatient with my wife, or anyone:

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a
while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. (v. 31-33)

Okay ,now I would respond by being impatient, irritated. "Don't these people know I need my down-time! This is not what I planned, or what I need."

But how did Jesus respond...

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Ouch, that double edged sword stings.

Lord, I have a long way to go. I need your grace to crucify my plan, my agenda and my perceived needs. What I need is just what you give me. It is for your glory and for my ultimate good.