Lessons While Standing in Line

 

Back at the beginning of October, I went with a friend to hear Dr. J. Drew Lanham speak at UTC. Dr. Lanham is a poet and ornithologist, representing two of my favorite pursuits. Although the lecture wasn’t quite what I expected, I am glad I went, as I learned some valuable lessons—two of which had to do with patience.

At the end of the lecture, the guest speaker sat at a table in the lobby signing copies of his books. He had books of poetry and also a memoir for sale. I had heard that the memoir was very good, and that’s a favorite genre to read, so I bought a copy—the last copy! Then I stood in line to get it signed. And I stood. And I stood. It was a long line. Thus I had the opportunity to practice one kind of patience.

Instead of tapping my food and craning my neck to see what was taking so long, I decided to talk with the people around me. This tactic only works if people nearby are willing to talk—and they were! While I did not get to share the gospel with any of my new acquaintances, I did mention where I taught for many years, and we had a good conversation about our yards, among other things. Who knows when I might see one of those women again and have the opportunity to have another conversation?

Paul instructed believers at Ephesus to look carefully around and to “make the most of every opportunity” (5: 15 & 16). The KJV calls it “redeeming the time.” Here at Grace, we know a lot about waiting. Think about how our leadership didn’t let us just sit and stew but kept ministry going by continuing as many of our programs as possible while the funding and building was—and is—carried out. This ongoing church ministry can be an example for our personal lives. While we sometimes wait for circumstances to change, we must look for opportunities to serve others and honor God.

The other lesson in patience I learned that evening in October was in the way Dr. Lanham spoke with each person who came to him for an autograph. As I got close enough to see and hear what was happening at his table, I realized that he was taking time to look at each person and have a short conversation. I have been in autograph lines where the famous author hardly looked up, but just signed his name and pushed the book back toward me. I can understand that; a long line of people wanting attention can be exhausting. Every mother or teacher knows it to be true.

This gentleman had had a long day. He’d told us about visiting schools in the morning and attending another event in the afternoon. Yet he looked past his own feelings and took time to pay attention to each of us. I am reminded of Jesus who came “to serve and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:35). Paul reminds us to “do all things without complaining and disputing” (Ephesians 2:14). Further, we have the example of the faithful listed in Hebrews11 who served God and honored Him with their lives even though they died without ever receiving the promises—talk about patience!

What kind of patience do you need today? Are you waiting for something that seems long in coming? Are you bombarded with those who want attention? Remember that “longsuffering,” or patience, is a fruit of the Spirit. Ask God to help you so you can stay busy while you wait and also give proper attention to each person He brings across your path. Submit your will to His, and He will help you.

What Bible passages come to your mind to apply in these sorts of situations? Please share with the rest of us!

--Sherry Poff