Patience

After a meeting at a swanky hotel resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, it was time to find our car in the sprawling parking lot that surrounded the huge building. My husband and I had walked many, many steps when we saw a golf cart driver transporting other weary searchers. “Can you help us?” we asked the driver, and as the conversation progressed, we realized we knew the owner of the company for which she was driving. We chatted for an extended length of time, with her and the other passengers in the hot, muggy weather (yes, Arizona gets humidity!), when I noticed a huge SUV waiting behind the golf cart.

There was no place for the driver to go around us—we occupied the width of the driving area. As the golf cart drove away, I felt responsible and offered an apology to the patient driver. There had been no coarse language, no beeping horns, no rolling of the tires toward the cart, no hand manipulations—just patient waiting.

I approached the driver and poured out my sincere apologies and gratitude for her patience. I noticed the name badge she wore and knew she was attending the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting that also was being held at the hotel.

She replied, “Well, I’ve had a rough day. I just sat here and took the time to pray for patience and understanding. I figured that was the smartest thing to do at this moment.” She accepted my apology, smiled graciously, and slowly drove away.

A rough day. My imagination filled with all sorts of challenges, temptations, and hopefully victories she may have experienced. Despite it all she had not let the exuberant, time-consuming, inconsiderate lady (me!) rob her of her peace and calm.

She maintained her poise through prayer. When we have a rough day that ends with even more challenges, may our first response be to pause and pray. Praying for this unknown lady has become part of my prayer life.

That is the least I can do after her powerful example.

God, thanks for continuing to provide for her.

Lynn Ortel