09-17-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 17, 2024
There was a little frog trying to get through the grass as I approached with the mower. Actually, there seems to have been a lot of frogs in our yard the last few weeks when I’ve been mowing. But this one was having a hard time getting out of the thick grass and out of the mower’s path. I paused to cheer on the little fella, but instead of going to the side, he (might have been a she) jumped toward the mower and then away from the mower, but remained in the path. I waited another 20 seconds, but he wasn’t getting out of the way. So I stopped the mower and helped him get over to the garden, where he’d be safe. As I finished the backyard, I started thinking about the trip home from the church the day before. I got behind a car that was driving 32 mph in a 45 mph zone. The traffic in the other lane was heavy, and I could not get over. Though I was alone in the car, I expressed my opinion out loud. I was frustrated because this slow car was going to slow my trip home by a minute or so. Why was I so patient with the frog but rather impatient with the human being driving the car in front of me? I’m asking for a friend. Actually, I believe my experience is true in many situations in life. People can leave us more frustrated than a reptile. Here is what I’m going to work on—I will continue to show just us much patience for God’s littlest creatures while trying to pick up my game when it comes to the people I am meeting on the street along with the people I meet every day of every week. 

Wherever I can develop a bit more patience, O God of Mercy and Kindness, I pray for an open mind and willing spirit. Amen.