Journal: #309 Practicing Patience
I’ve always been that kid, the one to bemoan the journey as soon as it starts. Oddly, I love all the talk and planning of a journey. The analysis of data, allocation of resources, and plan of action are what I consider fun. But, once my butt is in the seat, I tend to get bored. My mind drifts and anxiety mounts. (My mom will tell you. As a child, two hours into a ten hour car ride from South Carolina to Pennsylvania, I would whine. And not just “are we there yet?” No, no. I told my mother she was lost, and we needed my dad.) I suppose it’s why I find myself drawn to careers and jobs with uncertainty.
I said it the other day and I’ll write it again. I’ve been a shit lately, a child. I’m sitting in the back of the car, whining to God about the length of the trip. He’s gracious and laughs at my sophomoric reaction to life. (Like my mother, the Lord doesn’t get lost. He knows the route.)
For the last two months Netflix suggested I watch The Terminal starring Tom Hanks. While I love Tom Hanks and like the movie, I can think of few less desirable ways to spend time than waiting in an airport. But, after months of suggestions, I caved. Within the first few minutes I was reminded of what makes that movie so intriguing. The main character, Viktor Navorski, chose to stay in the terminal until legally cleared to enter America. It’s almost annoying. The movie ends with Viktor cleared to enter America, a miracle from his unrequited love interested. Also, annoying.
Perhaps The Terminal is the Lord’s way of encouraging me to remain patient— to make the most of each day and situation I encounter. Or, perhaps that’s what I read from it. Regardless, it’s a story few of us want to to mimic. I want to charge off the plane, down the terminal, through the sliding doors, on to my great future.
This summer is a perfect opportunity to practice what the Lord taught me about patience. He showed me patience is tied to faith and vision. Big changes are the result of thousands of small choices. And, patience requires dedication and finesse. Patience IS NOT waiting*. Waiting is what powerless people do at the DMV. Patience is what the faithful display when they trust the Lord. So I will be faithful. The Lord has me. There’s no better place to be than where I am.
