“Now, may the God of Patience and comfort grant you to be like minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5

A great little story by an unknown author came to me a few days ago about an impatient Monk. No matter what he tried, this monk simply lacked patience. The more he tried, the more impatient he became with people so he decided that he must get away altogether and learn to be patient. As a result this Monk literally built for himself a cabin deep in the woods, far away from civilization. Some years later a man was traveling in those same woods and ran into the Monk and his little cabin. The traveler was amazed to find anyone living so far away from the rest of the world, so he asked the Monk why he was there all by himself. The monk replied, “This was the only way for me to learn patience.” The traveler said, “Well, how long have you been here?” The monk replied, “Seven years”. Seven years!” the stunned traveler said, “I’m confused. If there has been no one around to bother you for seven years, how will you know when you have learned to be patient?” Annoyed, the monk replied, “Get away from me, I have no time for you.” I had a good laugh at reading this story because

We Are Indeed An Impatient People

I can attest to my own impatience at just about anything or any place that requires waiting. We all have things in life that strain our patience. That’s where our scripture today becomes so compelling. God, the very definition of patience, is asking us to take on this same character trait. Just think how patient God is with you and I in our lives. If you are anything like me, remembering God’s patience toward us might just help you demonstrate a little more patience toward others.