Just two weeks ago, I was writing in this same column how we were anxious to get busy planting flowers and vegetables in the gardens and seeding crops in the fields, now that spring had arrived with its warmer temperatures. Since then, we have had a cool and wet-spell of weather which has deterred our plans to get out there as quickly as we thought we might have, given our earlier April weather.
Whatever plans we had for the past 10 days have been delayed and this may be causing a bit of anxiety and frustration. As much as we would like to be in charge of our own agendas, we discover that we are never fully in control of things.
For all of our planning and even praying, we are subject to the weather patterns affecting our world and locality. Being subject to forces and climate factors which are beyond our ability to change and control teach us that we are ultimately subject to the authority and plan of God, however much we resist and complain. It is also one more thing that helps us to learn patience.
How much we dislike that word - patience! As much as I have tried to work at achieving greater patience over the years, I must confess that I am still far too impatient in any number of situations. Patience seems to be in short supply these days, not only in our driving habits, but it shows itself in our shopping habits. Rudeness appears with those simply doing their job as best they can, in our everyday conversations with others and generally with much of what we are busy about.
Isn't that part of the problem - our thoughts and preoccupation with what we are busy about? We tell ourselves that we are very busy and that we have so much on our plate. There is not enough time each day and not enough hours to attend to everything.
As I remind myself often, I can only be at one place at one time and, generally, I can only do one thing at a time. Once it's done, I can tackle the next task or responsibility.
Time management may help some to organize their time better, but if we were only a little patient with ourselves and others, it would pay dividends in how we could enjoy spending the time we have and what we are doing, instead of always feeling under pressure and running a little behind.
Slow down, relax, it will all come to past, and in the end why not build more enjoyment into each day. We may even find time to thank and praise God in the midst of all that we are busy with, and how this activity can enrich others because of our attitude.
