Patience

by Cheryl Merrick

I prayed to know what I needed to change.
Soon I began to see my weaknesses.
In my anxiousness for perfection
I push myself to make
the creative writing program
the visiting teaching reporting
the LDS.org response team
the newspaper editing
all perfect -- NOW!


I am constantly disappointed and frustrated
with the imperfections of family and friends.
I want perfect unity– now!
I don’t want to wait for people to change
I want perfection – now!

I’m learning that though ideals are good
they must be tempered with love.
I must allow others their freedom
to learn from their own experience
in their own time.
I must let go and trust the Lord.

I see that my health challenges
are a course designed
to help me develop
the patience I need.