Occasionally I’ll take a lunch break and run over to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants for chicken with garlic sauce.
I’ll get a drink and head over to the self-serve fountain. The past few times I’ve noticed the ice comes out really slow, and so does the beverage.
This means it takes 12-15 seconds longer to fill my 16-ounce styrofoam cup than it previously did.
And this annoys me greatly.
Such a tragedy.
Imagine, then, how I must feel on the occasional weeknight when I decide to have microwave popcorn. A lightning strike killed our microwave last year and the replacement we bought is quite a bit slower.
What previously took 2:50 now takes 3:50.
The Bible tells us that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. This means that patience should be evident in the life of a Jesus follower. It should be valued.
The 75 extra seconds it takes for Coke and popcorn is just a window into my struggle with patience. People who listen to my radio show often tell me I must have triple doses of patience based on the way I handle challenging callers.
So maybe there is a dichotomy that is difficult to explain. I can have a tremendous amount of patience in some areas and embarrassingly none in others.
At its core, a lack of patience is an expression of a self-centered nature. How dare this machine cost ME precious seconds due ME! Why must I be inconvenienced by this person or this situation when I could be doing what I want with MY time?
The Bible not only mentions patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), but as a description of love (1 Cor. 13:4) and an example of God’s prolonged mercy toward us (Romans 2:4).
I want to be a more patient person. I know that I am more like Jesus when I display this.
As we get ready to observe the time Jesus was crucified and celebrate His Resurrection, I am reminded of how patient He was and is with me.
What a great reminder and what an awesome God to serve.
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8)
Passages to Ponder, Part 1: The fullness of Grace and Truth
Passages to Ponder, Part 2: Why Do Christians Talk Like That?
Passages to Ponder, Part 3: Receiving the Grace of God in Vain
I think your patience examples show that you have greater patience with people than inanimate objects. I notice this about myself, too, usually. By posting this, I’m sure I’ve jinxed myself.