Patience in Self-Control

A few days back I read in an insert from Oswald Chambers in which he said he felt sorry for anyone who didn't have something in his life that he didn't want there. There are often times when I wonder what good ever comes from irritations, suffering, stretching, or walking though the refining fire; whatever you want to call it.  But, in the end, there is always joy, freedom, and fruit.  Right?

So then, if we are pretty sure there is victory and reward at the end of a trial, why are so many afraid to pray for patience?  I doubt there is no lack of prayers about joy, gentleness, or love, but maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe it’s all the fruits of the spirit we’re absolutely terrified to pray for. I’ve heard over and over to never pray for patience, but if it’s a fruit of the spirit, shouldn’t I be endlessly searching for it?  Isn’t that my goal, for these traits to be my impulse, to be my first reaction? 

Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
   but the wise bring calm in the end.

 Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 I believe when we earnestly seek God for something, and genuinely want to put in the effort, He will reward us and we will produce the fruit of the spirit that we yearn for.  Yes, I said effort.  This is likely why we are so afraid to pray for these characteristics, because God doesn’t just wave a wand and change us.  There is always a choice of action on our part.  It’s like learning anything, until we live in the Matrix.  We have to learn through trial and error, there is no easy download tool in this program, not yet anyway. 

 This all stems out of a drive to be the best mother I can be.  Some days I see myself with so little self control and patience, and I know there is really nothing else I need.  How can I not pray for God to help me in this area?  No doubt I will have ample opportunity to put the fruits into practice, and I will most likely endure times of intense discomfort, but each interaction with my children, and any human in general, will be an opportunity to grow.  I have to believe on the other side there is victory.  I want to be the calm in the end, and not a whirling dervish who can't even control what comes out of my mouth.