“The Lord God [is] merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.” Exodus 34:6. Our heavenly Father would probably say that His spiritual children – people like you and me – can be guilty of pretty exasperating behavior.  We’re slow to learn.  We have setbacks.  We choose to break the rules.  We create havoc with the things we say and do. But I’m grateful that our heavenly Father parents us with love and compassion.  He was longsuffering with Israel, and He is with us too.  The more we appreciate God’s patience the less we will test it.