Patience? What is it?

You've heard folks say, "Never pray for patience...". Why? Simple. Your patience will be tried and the idea is that the trying of your patience gives you more patience. However, I gotta ask, just what is patience? Seriously, what is it? It's been touted as a virtue, and yet, I don't think we have a true handle on what it is. I'm beginning to think the better word for it is long-suffering. Suffer? Yes. And, you tolerate it. I also think there is a sense of peace that comes with it. It is the peace in the midst of the storm. When the waves are crashing, the lightning blazing across the sky, the thunder roaring, and the wind is at a gale, rather than ranting and raving about the lack of God's protection, resting at peace in the knowledge of His love - that is the picture of patience. I'm not discounting the concept of long-suffering. But, my innards are more in line with the storm. I get all tied up, frustrated, anxious. To know that God is going to work it out in the end in some way that is to His good pleasure for me, well, that should be enough to help me calm down. After the frustration passes, then the guilt floods over me. Yet, if I'm understanding this properly, then patience defined as trust, complete trust, should be workable and doable by fully trusting in God. So, it may be that we ask amiss when we ask for patience, because we "know not what we ask for." Perhaps, we should be asking for our trust to be increased and the only way that happens is by discovery - we discover over time that God is faithful to His Word and therefore reliable and trustworthy. If we can adopt that stance, we can weather any storm. God, help me to listen to these words and learn to fully rest in Your arms. I'm not asking for trials.  God knows, I don't want any extras.  What I am asking for is faith to live and thrive during those times.  That is, in my estimation, patience.  Resting fully in Him and His timing.  That's it.

Help us to be happy, Lord!