What Do I Do When I Run Out of Patience?

Louisa Ikena reflects on the experience of running out of patience and running to our Lord.

What do I do when I run out of patience? When someone or something gets on my last nerve? When it feels like not just one or two things, but when everything is not going my way? What do I do when I truly need that patience for my livelihood and well-being, and for the well-being of those entrusted to my care today?

What do I do when sharp, unkind words come to the forefront of my mind? What do I do when sharp, unkind words do not stay within the confides of my mind? When words I quickly regret spew out of me? What do I do when I run out of patience? When I am empty of what I truly need?

How do I regain the fruit of the Holy Spirit called self-control? How do I get filled again when I have nothing left?

In these difficult moments, I acknowledge that I’ve come to the end of myself. I’m realizing, myself, that I’m at the end of myself. No one needs to explain it to me. And no one can realize this reality for me. When I’m at the end of my patience, I have used up all my power. I have nothing left of myself.

As awful or as scary as this might sound, that is not a bad thing. In the big picture, it is actually a gift. I have come to the end of myself, and there’s nothing left to do but surrender to God. I raise the white flag and cry out a prayer from the heart: “Help!”

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)

I am frequently tempted to isolate from help and try to do it all myself. But my own effort and power is so very finite. I contrast my power with the infinite power of our God.

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

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These temptations are common to all of us. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Some days I like to think of myself as terminally unique. For me, it’s a manifestation of pride. The truth is I am a garden-variety sinner. When I can embrace this truth, I feel a part of, rather than apart from, the human race.

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What do I do when I run out of patience? I run to You, Lord, forever and always. #CatholicMom

I hear God saying to me, "Run to me when your patience runs out. Run faster and faster to Me. Run sooner, more and more promptly to Me. I AM the Provider of your needs. I AM your Comfort, your Restorer of sanity, your Hope. All that you seek is here. Right here, right now. I AM here. Continue to come to Me. Run, rush to Me for Help, for Hope, and for Safe Refuge."

Lord, thank You for Your Love.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Thank you, Lord, for Your patience with me. I keep messing up and missing the mark over and over again. Yet Your mercy does not cease. There is no end to Your patience.

So I mess up and turn back to You and mess up and turn back to You. I know Your unfailing love is available 24/7. Thank You especially for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Your Mercy knows no end.

What do I do when I run out of patience? I run to You, Lord, forever and always. Thank you.

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