Family

It's like a crammed and jammed elevator. People thrust together by chance on a short journey, saying as little as possible. The only difference is you'll eventually get off the elevator and never see these folks again-not so with the difficult relative. Family reunions, Christmas, Thanksgiving, weddings, funerals-they'll be there.
Does Jesus have anything to say about dealing wih difficult relatives? Is there an example of Jesus bringing peace to a paiful family? Yes, there is.
His own.
It may suprise you to know that Jesus had a difficult family. It may suprise you to know that Jesus had a family at all! You may not be aware that Jesus had brothers and sisters. He did. Quoting Jesus' hometown critics, Mark wrote, "Jesus is just the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are here with us" (Mark 6:3).
And it may suprise you to know that his family was less than perfect. They were. If your family doesn't appreciate you, take heart, neither did Jesus'.
It's worth noting that he didn't try to control his family's behavior, nor did he let their behavior control his. He didn't demand that they agree with him. He didn't sulk when they insulted him. He didn't make it his mission to try to please them.
When Jesus' brothers didn't share his convictions, he didn't try to force them. He recognized that his spiritual family could provide what his physical family didn't. If Jesus himelf couldn't force his family to share his convictions, what makes you think you can force yours? I can't assure you that your family will ever give you the blessing you seek, but I know God will. Let God give you what your family doesn't. If your earthly father doesn't affirm you, then let your heavenly Father take his place.

Max Lucado

Faith in Future Grace

Impatience is a form of unbelief. It's what we begin to feel when we start to doubt the wisdom of God's timing or the goodness of God's guidance. It springs up in our hearts when our plan is interrupted or shattered. It may be promped by a long wait in a checkout line or a sudden blow that knocks out half our dreams. The opposite of impatience is not a glib denial of loss. It's a deepening, ripening, peaceful willingness to wait for God in the unplanned place of obedience-to wait in his place, and go at his pace. And the key is faith in future grace.

Just as you can look back and see where grace has been bestowed upon you, you can be certain there is grace in the future: future grace.

Lamentations 3:25