The story is told of the man whose car stalled in heavy traffic at an intersection, just as the light turned green. All the efforts to start the engine failed, and a chorus of honking behind him made matters worse. Finally, the man got out of his car and walked back to the first driver and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't seem to get my car started. If you'll go up there and give it a try, I'll stay here and blow your horn for you".
All too often in life, we are like those who are held up behind the stalled car. We are in a hurry to meet someone, we have family waiting for us at home, or we anxiously wait for a phone call. The world in which we live preaches many virtues, but patience, more times than not, isn't one of them. We live in the society of microwavable meals and instant breakfasts. God calls you and I to be patient with ourselves and others. Perhaps the apostle Paul recognized this principle best through his life, which he passed on to us through his writings.
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another" (Colossians 3:12-13).
Today, let's strive to be patient with one another, just as God in His infinite wisdom continues to be patient with us.
