McDonald’s Patience

Whoever is patient has great understanding…A heart at peace gives life to the body…

Proverbs 14:29 & 30 NIV

I marveled at my grandson’s patience. He wanted to play on a McDonald’s playscape, but when we got to the restaurant, we found it packed with children. He did not pout. He did not want to leave. He wanted to wait.

We sat at our table and watched. He ate his Happy Meal, played with the toy, and watched for kids to leave. When he felt like the smaller number of kids gave him room to play, off he went as happy as could be. His patience paid off and he had a great time.

I have to admit, I do not always demonstrate that kind of patience. I want something and I want it right now – “microwave mentality” some people call it. The world seems to move at such a fast pace. Speeding down highways, running from one activity to another, multiple text messages, e-mails, family and friends – many things clamor for our attention.

Often, I find myself guilty of going on in, slinging my opinion around, and causing myself more stress.  For my grandson the answer was not no, it was wait. Like him, I need to evaluate the situation, decide if I need to involve myself in it, pray about it, and then calmly enter in if and when I feel I should.

Patience shows understanding. Patience brings peace and rest. We understand everything is not all about us.

My grandson had a goal. He waited patiently until he could accomplish that goal effectively. He did not jump right in to the chaos. In the end, it brought him great satisfaction without any stress.  

God, thank you for the lesson of patience and peace. You demonstrate each abundantly. May I recognize my impatience and remember calm cool thinking defuses much anxiety.

Susan Partida