Standing in line!
I don't think any of us enjoy standing in a slow line.
We tolerate it...
We endure it....
We try to calculate it...
"How many people are ahead of me?"
"Why did I choose this line?"
"Is the other line moving faster?"
If you really think about it, waiting in line exposes something in us.
It reveals a portion of our character.
Our culture trains us for speed. Fast shipping, Instant streaming, Two minute devotionals, Microwaved everything. It's like living life on a roller coaster. A fast one at that!!
The other day I was standing in line at the grocery store and the lady ahead of me was writing a check for her groceries. (Not many people write checks anymore)...... I was patiently waiting as it was taking her a very long time, not only to write the check, but to record it in her checkbook.
Behind me, I hear "REALLY?" "Why today." Needless to say, the lady behind me must have been in a big hurry or she lacked patience.
I could tell she was very frustrated so I asked her if she wanted to go in front of me. Her response? "Well, I will if she (the lady writing the check) ever finishes." I thought...How RUDE. No Thank you...No, I would appreciate it. Just frustration.
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Patience isn't proven when things move smoothly. It's formed when they don't.
The question we have to ask ourselves in situations like this is:
"Will I choose irritation or Grace?"
Who knows, the slow person in the check line could be exhausted..They might be grieving...or perhaps they are facing something that is out of their control.
We just never know what story is standing right there in front of us and we need to learn to value and respect others. There is so much to gain when kindness prevails.
Shug...
** Happy Friday Everyone!! I might be slow reading and commenting today..Sam has his treatment this morning and I will not have my computer with me.
Patience truly is a virtue.
ReplyDeleteHoping for good things for you and Sam today.
You make such a good point. Waiting on line can feel very frustrating. I handle it two ways. if I'm in the supermarket and there are magazines- I pick one up and read it and try to relax. Otherwise I think of times I was struggling with something that slowed me down and realize that others have struggles too and need to be respected not criticized. Hoping things go well for you and Sam today.
ReplyDeleteWhy do people have to act that way? Being offered to go next should have changed her attitude a bit.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I'm not patient in line either. I always seem to choose the one that gets held up. (But my grumbling stays in my head!) :)
Praying all goes well for you and Sam today.
I'm finding a common thread running through blogland today...PATIENCE. I so appreciate your post...beginning in March my focus for my one-word self-control is going to be in the area of patience. You bring out so many good points here. And I admire you for allowing the woman behind you to get in front of you.
ReplyDeletePraying for Sam's treatment day today.
Praying Sam's treatment this morning goes well.
ReplyDeleteAs for patience, you are so right in using the word, "choose." Patience is a choice we must make if we are to have it.
Praying for Sam!!! Patience needs to be practiced whenever and wherever possible, Shug, or we won't get better at having it. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind at all standing in a line if I find myself in the wrong line. It's an excellent opportunity to strike up conversation about Jesus. I've been blessed by many awesome conversations about God just by standing in a long line.
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