I’ll Take “Patience” for 500, Alex?

The only thing is, in this particular instance, I didn’t ask for it.  I think it’s the final frontier…the last clues for this episode of Jeopardy that will ultimately determine my game ending or moving forward to the next round.

When it comes to marriage and motherhood, the following questions arise to the answers before me:

• For $100, this is the thing you thought you would have no trouble at all finding, but it turns out the process would take a little longer than you anticipated.  What is “finding a job,” Alex?
• For $200, the age difference between where you were in Louisiana to where you are now in North Carolina for children to attend school.  What is “one whole year,” Alex?
• For $300, the person you find yourself blaming for your current living arrangements and financial difficulties.  Who is, “Mr. Incredible,” Alex?
• For $400, DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!!!!  For $5,000, the household item you need to look at when wanting to point fingers in frustration.  What is “the mirror,” Alex?

Boy, I’m on a roll now!  I’m learning lessons and moving forward in ways I never thought possible.  This experience reminds me so much of basic training…every day there’s misery, but in the midst of hunger, exhaustion and emotional challenges, along the way, God shows Himself and His strength in a new and interesting way, and I make it to the end more grateful and humbled by the entire experience.

Finally, for $500 and the game, the virtue you could use more of during this difficult period of growth. Alex, BMWK, I’m going to have to say, “What is PATIENCE?”

That the right answer, but what’s the prize?  Well, with time, I’ll develop more of that elusive quality.  When you think you’ve got it, along comes a challenge that proves you need more of it.

But in the meantime, I think I’ve got my formidable challenger on the ropes. You know her…she’s often irritated by little things and frustrated by issues not within her control.  She’s impatient and grumpy and likes to justify her wrongdoing by pointing fingers and the sources of her consternation.  Yeah…that opponent is ME.  And this time, that side of me is going DOWN!

God bless!

~ Harriet

Harriet Hairston is a woman who slips and slides in and out of labels (military officer, human resource manager, minister, mentor, spoken word artist and teacher).  The only ones that have stuck so far are “wife” and “mother” (the most important in her estimation). The rest have taught her well that only what she does for Christ will last. There is one more permanent label she holds:  ”author.”  You can purchase her first book, ”Who Are You?“  simply by clicking on the link.  You can also contact her at harriet_hairston@yahoo.com.