Patience, Excellence, Humilty

 I'm currently listening to a book titled Isola, written by Allegra Goodman. I found it on a list of "best books" somewhere and requested it through the library's Libby app. When it came to be my turn, I almost didn't accept it. 

I am rarely in the same mood to read as I am when I order books. Sometimes a book will look interesting and then sit on my shelf for years. Years. It's not my fault that the Carie that orders books is not the same Carie when it comes time to read the books.

I digress. Anyway, I decided to give it a chance. The last 2 books I've started I've discarded before the first hour (audio) or few chapters (physical) were finished. I have 3 unfinished books just sitting on my kindle because I don't love them. It's a very first world problem.

So is my rambling.

I started the book. By 30 minutes in, I was entranced. The narrator speaks in an accent, I'm guessing French because the book begins in 1500's France. I'm not going to explain the whole story or plot but it is based on the true story of Marguerite de La Rocque, a French noblewoman who is left on a remote island in New France (Canada) by her guardian in 1544. 

In many ways, the life of this woman was unfair. Her parents died when she was very young and her guardian was very cruel. She was also blessed to have close friends, one like a mother to her, and an upbringing that most would not have enjoyed at that time. 

While still living on her property in France with her nurse, teacher and friend, the women discuss religion and ways to improve their circumstances within their constraints. Towards this goal they practice patience, excellence and humility.

I repeated those three words over and over - and fearing I would forget them I emailed them to myself so that I could write them down when I got a chance. Once I got a free minute I learned that:

Patience - the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset

Excellence - the quality of being outstanding or extremely good

Humility - the quality of having a modest view of one's value or importance

Then I googled how those words work together:

"Humility provides the foundations for continuous growth (excellence) and patience provides the discipline and perspective to sustain that growth over time."

Then I googled how that relates biblically:

"A heart ground in humility makes patience possible and together these virtues produce a life of 'excellence' that reflects God's love and character to the world."

I'm still reading the book, although I imagine I'll finish this weekend, and the way this plays out in the lives of these women is something that I needed to see. I couldn't fathom that level of dedication to God and the love they have for each other. They put the other first and although also looking out for their own needs, sometimes they perish while putting the other first. 

I feel convicted to work these three virtues in my life and the example of these women is one that I hope to emulate. They were not perfect, and some of their choices are questionable, but none of us are and I think this is a good reminder to me that we need to keep working toward the goal of meeting our Maker in heaven, one step at a time.

Anyway, if you wish to learn more about this poor woman's story, I definitely recommend the book or a quick Google search surrounding the book (just read the book - trust me).