May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had. Romans 15:5
In our supersonic society, it is difficult to wait for much of anything anymore. Whether it is waiting for our smartphones or computers to connect and get to the program we want to use, or waiting on someone else to get ready so we can leave, there are multiple opportunities to become impatient throughout the day. When someone hits your pause button, what is your reaction? Does it take much for you to flip your lid or say something that you could easily regret later? What can you do to keep your cool?
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. Proverbs 15:18
Do you have any pauses built in to your day? It seems to go against our chronic desire for more efficiency, yet in the long run, it can actually make us more efficient. Honestly, when I can take 2-10 minutes to go for a walk, or stop and take a break to refocus, breathe more slowly, pray, or otherwise reset, I move forward with more purpose and motivation than I had previously. This is not something that I get to do every hour in this way, but maybe once or twice when a day is becoming crazy. A simple break can reset our attitude and take the focus from myself to what is most important.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8
So, brethren, the next time you find yourself stuck in a long checkout line, behind an unexpected line of cars waiting for road construction, or anything else that makes you wait longer than you think you should, be thankful. Instead of becoming angry at whoever or whatever might have done this to you, take a moment to pray for the person right in front of you, or ask God to temper your impulses and guard your heart and mouth from being led down the wrong path. Change a miserable moment into a merciful moment and one that may be memorable. The more often we laugh at the sad predicaments we get in to, the less power they have over us and the greater chance they will be less irritating in the future. Allow God to transform, like He has done so many times before.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Strength and Courage in Christ,
Clark
