Dash of Sass: Patience & Grace in an Unexpected Place

SpaceThere’s a ranch kitty, Effie, who I have bonded with who sort of seems to consider my deck her unofficial home. Because she’s out there so much, I’ve put a bowl out just for her and have started feeding her. Effie has taught me such a lesson in patience. I will often wake up and see her sitting so still and quiet in front of my front door, obviously hoping I am coming to feed her soon but not demanding or clawing or scratching or making a sound to alert me to the fact that she’s ready for me to open the door and give her her daily bread. She just sits there in silent faith, knowing that eventually I am coming with the blessing because I have never let her down yet. Even if it takes me awhile. What a metaphor for our relationship with God. I wish I could say I’m like Effie, patient and trusting and faithful…instead of demanding and impatient and quick to get angry with God if He doesn’t deliver exactly what I ask for right when I ask for it. So I guess if Advent is about waiting for the miracle…and being willing to sit patiently and trustingly in the space between “no longer” and “not yet”…then my prayer is to #BeMoreLikeEffie. The sweet, multi-colored, unassuming alley cat who has taught me more about grace in her quiet little way than I could ever hope to teach any of you. Let’s be more like Effie, friends. Let’s honor the waiting. The pause. The becoming. The Advent.

8 Responses to “ Dash of Sass: Patience & Grace in an Unexpected Place ”

  1. Sandra Lara
    December 20, 2014

    Patience is a virtue!
    As a single woman, I have learned with my free time to get to know myself again and enjoy the best life possible!

  2. Lisa soto
    December 20, 2014

    I am also impatient and I also get angry at God. I will try to be like Elffie. Love how you explained it. We all should be like the cat.
    Let us wait patiently.

  3. Yulonda
    December 20, 2014

    I really needed this as I am so impatient. God can use ANYTHING to teach us valuable life lessons. Bless you,Effie–and bless God!

  4. December 21, 2014

    This article is exactly what I was needing.. almost like a sign from god. I chose to be a true, faithful christian this year and it has been my hardest year ever. I started to blame god and then I paused and am starting to realize that everything is in his time.. He is working through me and possibly trying to teach me patience. Thank you for this post.. it truly was perfect, divine timing..

  5. emily
    December 23, 2014

    I will do my very best to be #MoreLikeEffie
    Thanks for this Ms.Mady.
    <3 <3 <3

  6. emily
    December 23, 2014

    I will do my very best to be #MoreLikeEffie
    Thanks for this Ms.Mandy.
    <3 <3 <3

  7. Miriam
    December 23, 2014

    Aimeeen my Sister…

  8. Wondering
    January 11, 2015

    I am having a very hard time with patience, since I have been hearing “your blessing is around the corner” for a very long time. NO DOUBT, God is looking out for me…I guess it’s just not the way I want it (or think would be “best”). I am having a hard time with my status as an older single woman with no husband or children, yet a heart that cries out “home” and “fireplace” and “snuggle” and “I love children.” Mostly what I do is work (in fact, I try to escape into it at times to avoid facing my status) – and I love my job…another blessing – but it doesn’t quite satisfy some of those female desires. I know God – our Abba – knows best…but right now I am having an increasingly difficult time understanding why what is going on now is “best” for me as a woman.

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Something wonderful is on the horizon
Turn Toward the Sun CoverLife doesn’t always look the way we want it to look. In Mandy’s upcoming book, Turn Toward the Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is, you’ll find encouragement to live in the moment, sit with your experiences, and trust God with the unknown.
Preorder from Baker Book House for 40% off and free shipping!*
*US shipping only