The other day I went through the drive through at my local Starbucks. It was the afternoon and I was really thirsty for an iced black tea lemonade. I pulled in, placed my order, and pulled ahead to the window like I was asked to do. I love this Starbucks. I used to go there all the time to work and read. They have great Barista’s that know how to give great service.
However, this particular afternoon, I sat there and watched my iced tea sit in the window while the five Barista’s hustled around in their coffee haven all looking at me through the glass. I found it very odd at first that the individual who made them didn’t just hand them to me and scan my phone for payment. That was stage 1. Then I entered stage 2. I began to notice the time. I said things to myself like, “THIS IS TAKING FOREVER!” Frustration began to eek out at this point. Then stage 3 welcomed it’s way into my little car. Stage 3 is the full on temper tantrum, including looks to the Barista’s on the inside. Finally someone came to the window and apologized and just gave me the drinks for free.
Had it not been for their exceptional customer service, I would have been hot to trot. Right?
Chances are you’ve been hot to trot too!
Okay, maybe not at my corner Starbucks waiting for iced black tea lemonade, but maybe it was at your favorite restaurant. Maybe it was this morning waiting for your kids to get their shoes on. Maybe it was waiting for your husband to mow the lawn. I don’t know what your particular flavor of impatience is, but I do know that we all experience it.
One of the hardest things for me is to be patient in the midst of felt pressure. I didn’t need that iced tea right away. In fact, I wasn’t even in a rush. I just felt that I should have had it quickly.
Do you want to know something funny? I caught myself writing this in a paper for seminary the other day. Take a look at this screen shot…
Read the last line again.
Can you believe that? It is true. I long for the experience that leads to understanding, but I am so stinking impatient. I need to slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy the journey that I am on and pick the fruit along the way that will lead to understanding.
What about you? Have you ever struggled with having patience? What was the last thing that made you feel impatient? Let’s help each other…
~Peter
