I was at the dentist this morning for my routine teeth cleaning. As I sat in the lobby passing time, I started to feel a little impatient. They were running really late. As I listened around me, I could tell that I was not the only patient they were late for. I did not say anything as there was a woman before me whom did. I was under the impression she ran a ‘tight schedule.’ I just continued to wait and did not mention timing to them. The nice receptionist said her apologies to me and that they would get to me soon and I reassured her kindly. When I was taken back to my hygienist, I was so glad that I was patient. Not only was my hygienist training a new girl, but my hygienist was amazing. Friend, it is easy in those moments where our patience is tested; to react with frustration, instead of empathy, grace and understanding. I may have wanted my appointment time, to be on-time. However, looking at it from another view, that new hygienist was just doing her best to keep up as she watched my hygienist and she learned. In turn, my hygienist was taking her time with me and teaching the new hygienist as well as having great conversation with me.  How often do we only think about ourselves, instead of offering a little bit of understanding and compassion? I know God offers it to me all the time, even when I do not have a good reason; He still offers me grace.  Friend, we need to slow down and be more compassionate toward one another. I had to wait today. Yet, I still walked out of my dentist appointment with a smile; and it was not just because of my clean teeth. Friend, if we think outside of ourselves and offer patience; we will find that we too, need grace sometimes. If we were all a little kinder in annoying situations, think of how much better the situation could be, for everyone involved.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Proverbs 14:29 NIV

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

Proverbs 15:18 NIV

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Ephesians 4:2 NIV

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.