July 30

PATIENCE MONTH: DAY 30: “She’d always heard that praying for patience was dangerous because God could send adversity to teach patience. But she decided adversity had already arrived, and she really needed patience right now.”― Cindy Horrell Ramsey

I have always heard in meetings, “Be careful what you pray for.” I seldom ask for patience, because I found out a long time ago that I have ample opportunities to practice patience. The world around me is a constant reminder of how selfish and self-centered I truly am.

Some of my very dysfunctional and self-centered ideas:

I want people to do what I want them to do…the world should run by my rules and people should behave in ways that I deem appropriate (or necessary, or as beneficial to me, etc.)

                Traffic should always clear a path for me to drive where I need to go and avoid getting in my way at all possible opportunities.

                Bills should never be part of my life. All services I require should be free for me. Along with all my groceries, gas, cars, home, etc. Everything should be free for me.

                I should never, ever be put on hold. No matter how busy any company, person, or other entity with which I need to conduct business or pleasure over the phone should be immediately available to me…on demand, by me, of course.

                Speaking of groceries, I should first of all, get parking right in front of the store and NO ONE should ever let my car be hit by a shopping cart, upon penalty of death. Then, the groceries should always be pre-loaded into my cart and load themselves in my car, unload themselves into the house, and then put themselves away. No waiting in lines, and no other people in my way as I walk through the stores. Also, while we are at it, ALL my shopping, everywhere, should be like this.

                AND…the food should cook itself and wash all the dishes and put them away when I am finished with my food. AND…laundry should wash, dry, fold, iron, and hang itself without me telling it to or lifting a finger.

                AND…the house should remain always dust free and completely clean without me ever doing anything about it.

                AND…every place I go should be free of lines, waiting, cost, and all other inconveniences that I may deem unnecessary to my pleasure. Forever! Yes, even Disneyland…and ESPECIALLY airports!

                AND…doctors offices, dentist offices, DMVs, and all other places I must go should always be free, clear of waiting, and be over within 10 minutes. Okay? These are just the big items on my list of things that I get impatient with. How about you?