Be Patient. Give Grace.

Today I reminded myself to practice patience and grace.

Sometimes Army life is unpredictable- ok, strike that. That sentence should read, "Army life is unpredictable." Most people hear about the sudden PCS-ing and "Hurry up and wait", but there is a whole aspect of military life (as a spouse specifically) that doesn't get as much attention.

So... learn to practice patience and grace when:

1. Your soldier is an hour late, doesn't call, and your tummy is telling you it's past dinnertime.

2. Your soldier didn't check his uniform to the last minute so you get to wake up early to take it to the alterations shop tomorrow morning and hope you can pick it up by close of business day so it's ready to wear by Friday.

3. Your soldier doesn't hug or kiss you when he arrives home.

4. Your soldier doesn't sit on the floor and play with your child after dinner.

5. Your soldier forgot to take the box to Goodwill that you asked him to donate.

Just some examples from today. Now, it is good for us to practice patience and grace for our betterment. I mean, who doesn't want to be a more patient and grace-giving person? I know I do. But, it's awfully difficult to be kind when your feelings are hurt and your tummy is grumbling.

But... keep in mind that your soldier probably had a very long day. Who knows how many hours he sat in a stiff chair listening to a monotonous instructor? Who knows how many punches he had to deflect while performing combatives? He probably wasn't told what time he would be released so he wasn't able to tell you he would be late getting home. A lot of times communication in the army isn't the greatest (for instance, we apparently have a reception to go to next week. Yup, next week. Thankfully, I have my dress already. Child care? Thankfully, I have an amazing friend at church who is willing and able to watch Jack). So before you get all huffy with your soldier, just remember that possibly there is a lot on his mind and he doesn't mean to slight you or your child. He doesn't mean to make dinner cold. He doesn't mean to speak gruffly and respond harshly when your son touches his uniform. He is just trying to make it through the week so he can relax (or at least semi-relax) on the weekend. He is just trying to remember everything he needs to get done so he can pass this training class and we can move forward. He is just trying to do his job and keep his sanity.

So show patience and grace. I mean, really, we have a microwave for dinner. Your child wakes you up in plenty of time to get ready to take in his uniform in the morning. You can wait and get a hug and kiss later before bedtime. Your soldier did play with your child during bath time to make up for not seeing him at all today. You are fully capable of taking the box to Goodwill on your next trip into town (all from the list above). So, life goes on (oh bla di oh bla da). Deep breathe. Exhale. Be supportive. Be respectful. Be patient. Give Grace.