Our order last night at the ice cream parlor should have only taken a few moments. When things extended beyond 20 or so minutes, the Plank mini-van got a bit rambunctious. Chloe needed to be set free from her car seat to explore the van, Ethan and Abigail did their thing to pass the time, and Brenda and I almost patiently waited for several scoops of ordered ice cream to show up in the pick-up window. We both caught one another sighing heavily and saying things like: “come on! It’s just ice cream!”
It occurs to me now that the ice cream’s been ingested and the kids are tucked away in bed, that this is precisely how Christian character is forged: in the smaller moments of life, like when customer service fails to meet our expectations or deliver as promised.
Here is how the Apostle Paul would have addressed my sighing, eye-rolling and impatient tones: “be gentle, and… show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2). Not just courtesy – but perfect courtesy. And this, my friends, is exactly what our Lord is patiently working into us as we face spilt milk, absentee waiters & long wait times for ice cream.
After all, for a person who because of Jesus has been given more than could ever be deserved – what is a 20 minute wait?
April 28, 2009 at 9:45 am
Soooo good! Great application of God’s Word. This really helps me.
Inspiring post, Doug. Thanks.
Cynthia
April 28, 2009 at 10:23 am
Hmmm…very convicting! Good post, Doug.
April 28, 2009 at 11:12 am
Doug, thanks for the reminder to be gracious towards outsiders! Excellent post!
April 28, 2009 at 1:36 pm
I’ve always felt “entitled” to my annoyance and impatience in similar situations, because, let’s face it, that’s the person’s job….to make me not wait and to give me perfect customer service! Guess I don’t have a leg to stand on that position any more. Thanks Doug for pointing our gaze upward once again.
April 29, 2009 at 8:57 am
Doug-
Thanks from the most impatient person I know….ME! So often when God calls me to wait in the smaller moments I am impatient wishing that God would hurry things up, because lets face it I am more concerned with my own agenda than His. And my impatience with others falls far below Gods patience with me.I am so gratfeul for your challenge and once again God’s reminder of patience.