when you gotta wait.

Part of my job is to help lead the youth ministry at the Gathering. We do your typical youth trips, youth nights, small groups, and all the normal things you’d find in a youth ministry (except lockins-I hate lockins). One of my favorite things we do is go to Six Flags every week during the summer.

Think about it. Nothing says bonding like, roller coasters, hot sun, and long lines!

Actually, the long lines are the reason I love it. It’s built-in relationship-building opportunity. Look at this verse:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Eph. 4:2

A part of me used to hate these long lines. I just wanted to get it over with and move onto the next ride. I now see it a little differently though.

I’ve had to shift my thinking a bit. I now recognize that when my patience is being tested I’ve lost sight of my purpose. For me, relationships are the win. I want to have fun and love people no matter the situation. When I get frustrated with the long lines, I’m kind of declaring to the world that roller coasters are the win. That getting on the ride is more important than the people around me.

They ain’t. They can’t be. They don’t make good friends.

Don’t let the finish line blur the journey.

What if we changed our perspective and saw those moments that require patience as moments to demonstrate the gospel? In other words, what if in the middle of the tension of patience, we let love win the day?

Think about all the opportunities this presents! Let love win the day when your waiter is slow, when your spouse is late, when the car in front of you won’t get over, and more!!

Hahaha as I was rereading this, my kids started fighting and screaming in the background. I realize I still have a lot of work to do in this area!

Today, when you feel your patience tested, move to love.