Sunday, September 09, 2007

Is Patience Highly Overrated?



Can you believe this!! I usually don't do this. As a matter of fact, my kids would tell you that I don't really know how-but miracle of miracles-I took this picture. Yes, with my phone, while I was driving. That in itself is a monumental achievement (and completely stupid-I know).

I was struck with the caption. PATIENCE IS OVERRATED.

It never ceases to amaze me just how messed up this world is. According the the sage philosophy of our time, immediate gratification is the secret to success and happiness.

Grab all you can.
Pull yourself up by your own bootstrap.
Just do it.
Be all that you can be.
If it feels good do it.

When happiness or success eludes us we have a grown-up temper tantrum. Of course, you don't see 40 yr olds throwing themselves on the pavement of the gas station kicking, screaming, and crying because they have to wait in a line, but in essence, our society is laden with adult temper-tantrums. Adult temper tantrums are: "irreconcilable differences" divorces, frivolous lawsuits, anger-management workshops, therapy, "me" time, no-hassle loans, exorbident credit limits... Cloistered in respectable labels and looking grown-up, masquerade the infantile tantrums that are borne from a selfish and undisciplined heart. The world would tell us, "There is nothing wrong here; speed, ease, and express, these are all vital in our day and age. It is but another proof that we live in a highly evolved and civilized society."

But to those of us who march to the beat of That Great Ubiquitious Drum, nothing is further from the truth.
But for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
This is contrary indeed!