Ephesians 4:1-3 (New Living Translation)

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.  Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

 I had a realization today-get ready, deep thought about to hit the page-that as we are seeking to know and understand God, all of us are learning and growing at different rates and different times.  We all have incredibly high expectations for others, yet we do not criticize ourselves as harshly.  I have heard many voices lifted in complaint about different people lately (and many times my voice can be found in the mix).  All of us have been disappointed, even wounded, by people.  We have all felt abandoned or judged by loved ones, had to pick up the ball because someone else dropped it, or been betrayed or treated unjustly because of another's actions.  However, we forget the flip side of this life:  I, too, have disappointed, wounded, abandoned, judged and betrayed people.  I have dropped the ball, only to have my weakness covered.  I have treated others unjustly.  I have made countless mistakes at the expense of others. 

I was reminded today of something pRob has said repeatedly:  " I can be patient with others, because God (or other people) has (have) been so patient with me."

How many times have I been forgiven?  How often has grace been shown?  How many times have I done something foolish, and seen someone come alongside me and cover the pile of dookie(sp?) behind me so that others wouldn't see the mess I'd made?