I am generally a very laid back person.  Time constraints are one thing that will quickly reveal which character traits that I need to work on.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”  Do longsuffering and gentleness really need to be right in the middle of that list?  Why do those two attributes seem to fly out the window as soon as I feel like the hands of the clock are moving at a pace that is uncomfortable for me?  Is anyone else on the same boat with me- the S.S. Easygoing?  The sea is smooth and I’m sailing along just fine until I feel the winds of time blowing a bit too briskly.  Panic sets in (a lack of peace?) followed by impatience with others who don’t realize the wind has picked up which results in harshness. Mrs. Laidback has disappeared and Captain Cantankerous is now on board.

 Here a just a few of the verses that I will be meditating on as we sail along on the Sea of Life:

 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Exodus 34:6

 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Psalm 32:8

 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.  Psalm 86:15

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. Proverbs 31:26

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding. shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7