Are you patient??

No…at least 90% of the time. Standing in line, waiting on the phone, waiting for that friend to arrive at the restaurant, waiting at the doctor’s office, etc. do not bother me. However, when I’m behind the wheel of my car , I have NO patience. People drive too slow, people pull out in front of you, people do not signal, people talk on the phone while driving, people stop for no reason, and on and on. Why is it that when you are trying to be somewhere on time, there is always the slow poke that blocks your path?

I realize that this is indeed a fault that I have. The Lord tells us to be patient. I need to listen!

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold,the Judge is standing right at the door. 10 As an example,brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.  James 5:7-11

Recently, I was reminded about being patient while behind the wheel of my car. It was a rainy night at rush hour, therefore many more cars than usual and hard to see. I was signalling to turn right and I was at a full stop….then BAM!!! A young man rear-ended me in his brand new silver sports car. What I didn’t tell you was that I was due to be in a meeting at in 20 minutes.

The good news is that no one was hurt, the bad news was that his car was crunched in the front.  The first thing that he said to me was, ‘Are you OK?’ Then he said that it was all his fault and he was so sorry. He was so courteous and respectful and wanted to make sure that I was alright. He kept telling me that it was all his fault. I never got angry or upset; instead, that young man showed me what being impatient can cause.

We moved out of the way of traffic and after checking out both cars…shook hands and went on our separate ways. I pray that he’s ok and that his new car’s damage won’t cost him too much. And, yes,,,,my car was fine and I made it to the meeting on time.

The way to great patience is through great trials. This trial was a small one, but the Lord let me know that I need to work on my patience behind the wheel of an automobile.

Are you impatient? Do you let small things get to you? Do you know what is really important?

I won’t ever forget that young man. Not because he hit me, but because of his kind words and compassion. God bless him.

image:  Leon Rice-Whetton