THE GIFT OF PATIENCE AND LONG SUFFERING - A DIVINE VIRTUE

Here's an update on my brother who remains in Critical but stable condition in an ICU in LasVegas, Nevada. I spent 5 days down there and then came home and my dear husband is going to drive me back down to Las Vegas tomorrow. It was so hard to see him so ill. Since I have worked in an ICU environment as a nurse; I know exactly how ill he really is. I quickly did some catch up studies on the different problems that he currently has; so that I could actually asked some intelligent questions when the physicians came into see him. He remains on a respirator; but is breathing on his own. He had Congestive Heart Failure; but that has improved. Because of all the drugs they used his kidney's have failed so he is having Kidney Dialysis. Hopefully, the treatment today will be the last one. One day the news is good and the next there is another problem. He has had priesthood blessings which were very comforting. His sweet wife is by his side every moment that she can be. The ICU has been good to let us stay in the room most of the time. His family have been awesome to take turns being by him each day. Already there are blessings coming to his children as they tenderly care and support their mother and pray for the recovery of their father. I am of course in continuous prayer mode. I know that he is in Heavenly Father's hands. We all want him to recover quickly that is where patience comes in; because it will probably take him a very long time to recover. 

I of course have in my mind my favorite scripture Proverb 3: 5-6. 

I spent some moment today reading other blogs that I follow and I was greatly uplifted by many of their thoughts. I thank them for sharing some of there own struggles with life and the great virtue of patience. 

I am presently reading a book called The Divine Virtues 14 Values to Live By written by Richard Rife. 

I will share a couple of quotes from the chapter on Patience and Long-suffering. 

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandemtns of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.  Alma 7:23

President Kimball taught, "Being human, we would expel from our lives sorrow, distress, physical pain, and mental anguish and assure ourselves of continual ease and comfort. But if we closed the doors upon such, we might be evicting our gratest friends and benefactors. Suffering can make saints of people as they learn patience, long-suffering, and self mastery. The sufferings of our Savior were part of his education."

President George Q. Cannon said: It is a precious gift to have the gift of patience, to be good-tempered, to be cheerful, to not be depressed, to not give way to wrong feelings and become impatient and irritable. It is a blessed gift for all to possess."

A thought from me would be if we ask for this gift; we will probably receive many opportunities to learn how to be more patient. I do pray for that gift; knowing that it will help in my progress in receiving divine virtues. 

I have deep gratitude for the gift of prayer, testimony and knowledge of the great plan of salvation. I know my brother is in God's hand and that his will; will be done. Patience is the one virtue that I pray for now. 

I know that many of my friends and family are praying for him too; and I thank you for that.