Devotional: Grace for the 2:47AM Moments

Some nights stretch your patience thin, but those are the moments when love becomes a choice, not a feeling.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…

…And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12 & 14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The love we feel for our children is inexplicable, and it knows no bounds. Love is what gets us through those tough times, when we just want to retreat from everyone and everything, especially our mini me’s. Personally, love  and compassion are what sustain me at 2:47 AM when my son is still up scripting his favorite YouTube video. Through personal research, professional counseling, and personal experience working with kiddos on the spectrum, I am able to understand, accept, and be compassionate toward behaviors that are attributed to autism; such as trouble sleeping. Understanding the challenges our kids may face allows us to extend them more grace. It begets patience when they are in a tantrum or engaging in any form of negative behavior.

There’s an old saying that we should not pray to ask God for patience because it is refined by experiencing trials. But, as parents, employees, and believers, are we not faced with numerous trials throughout each day? I do not believe God is in the business of making our lives harder. I do believe, however, that if we pray for patience he will extend us grace because he understands our hardships.

Father, as we are led to be imitators of You, help me to walk in the steadfast love of Jesus Christ. Always showing kindness, compassion, and respect. Guide me oh God in the  practice of patience with _____; bearing love, understanding, and compassion. Grant me the grace needed to overcome challenges that will keep me from being all I can be in these areas.  In the name of the Living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Prayer beautifully written by Michelle Clay