Patience 

   Everyone is in a hurry these days.  Waiting seems to be the bane of mankind. Waiting in line in traffic, standing in the check-out at stores and, the worst, sitting in doctor’s office waiting for appointments that are hardly ever met on time.  It can be frustrating.

   However, I’ve recently begun to see waiting not as an annoyance but as an opportunity.  Instead of complaining about the wait I put the time to the best use I can think of – prayer and communing with God.

   When standing in line at the grocery, take the time to say a prayer of thanksgiving that we are blessed with such a plentiful supply of food and the means to buy it.  Greet someone in line with you.  A pleasant smile and sincere “Good morning” might be the only nice thing they’ve heard all day.  It might also help them to bear the wait a little easier.

   Sitting in the doctor’s office can be used to thank the Lord for the medical advances that make our lives easier, resolving many issues that not long ago had no resolution.

   Even sitting stopped at a red light can be a time to say a simple prayer thanking the Lord for all He’s done and the many blessings He has given us.

   Patience is a grace from God, one that eliminates many frustrations in life.  Waiting is an excellent time to thank Him for the gift of patience and ask for more of it in our life.