Have you ever prayed for something, only to realize that the answer came unexpectedly? I used to pray for patience, assuming that by asking, God would just grant me patience. It took me too long to realize that instead of giving me what I was asking for, God gave me opportunities to practice the very same skill I was asking for. After all, what better way to learn something than to get hands-on experience?
Enter a beautiful, fluffy husky puppy named Bleu into my life.
Not only did she test my patience, but she also taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. We were instantly connected, and the love was there, but she was also an unruly menace.
I’d come home from work to find she’d destroyed my things. One day, she’d even eaten her way through a drawer, scattering its contents everywhere! But nothing aggravated me more than our morning walks and her not pooping. This was especially where my patience would run thin. I couldn’t help but feel bad knowing I would go to work and she would have to wait hours before her next bathroom trip. It would cause me to become anxious, which quickly led to anger. And then, anger for me was all-consuming.
In the process of her being potty trained, we used pee pads in the house. Typically, she was good with them. But the day I came home to both my undergraduate AND graduate degree covers destroyed and her business all over the room because she opted to rip her pee pad to shreds, I’d had enough.
I called my partner and told him to get her, and then I called my brother to vent my frustrations. He ended the call by noting that he and his wife would pray for me. While I appreciated the sentiment, I was also annoyed. I didn’t feel like I was the one who needed prayer; after all, she was the problem.
The following day, I awoke to a rude awakening. Reflecting on my frustrations, I asked, “What am I doing to contribute to her behavior?” I was immediately offended, honestly believing I had nothing to do with my dog’s behavior. But as much as I didn’t want to believe it, I wondered if there was any way she was feeding off of my heightened energy.
I felt fed up when I finally decided to change my behavior. But I was also appalled at the realization that I was the culprit. At first, I wanted to deny any involvement. However, for change to happen, accountability must be taken by the appropriate persons.
That day, I decided it was the end of the pee pads, and I would work on my anger. It was a process to work myself through not reacting if she didn’t void on our walk, reminding myself that I had no control over whether or not she went. I also began to practice deep breathing, which helped offset the anger. Practically, in an instant, she was a different dog!
Don’t get me wrong; she was still a rambunctious menace, but the more I was mindful of my reactions, the better she became.
Reflecting on this journey, I realized that Bleu was teaching me an invaluable lesson about patience, self-control, and self-awareness. My frustrations were not just about her behavior but reflected my internal struggles. By addressing my reactions and taking responsibility for my emotions, I not only improved my relationship with Bleu but also learned to handle other aspects of my life with more patience and grace.
Lessons Learned
- The Only Thing I Can Control is My Reaction: Legit, nothing else is in my control. This was a hard lesson to learn because I tend to want control. Recognizing this has allowed me to let go of unnecessary stress and focus on what I can manage—my own reactions.
- Energy is Contagious: Bleu was feeding off my energy and acting accordingly. This taught me that how I carry myself and the energy I emit can significantly impact those around me, including pets and people.
- Don’t pray for virtues: I also learned not to pray for things like patience and strength because its like volunteering to go through the fire. The only way to get what is needed is to go through it. As they say, practice makes perfect. Instead of seeking these qualities directly, embrace the challenges that cultivate them.
Through my experience with Bleu, I discovered that true patience isn’t just waiting without complaint but actively managing our reactions and emotions. It’s about understanding that sometimes, we are the ones who need to change. This journey taught me that accountability is crucial for personal growth. By acknowledging our part in the situations we face, we open the door to real and meaningful change.
So, the next time you find yourself praying for patience or wishing for a change, remember that the opportunity to practice and grow might be right in front of you. Embrace it, learn from it, and watch how it transforms your life and the lives of those around you.