A Journey to Patience…
A number of years ago, I found myself needing to travel over the Sierra Mountains just as a snowstorm was coming to an end. My mother’s health was failing and I was determined to visit her while she was still awake and coherent. Even the night before, I knew that it was going to be difficult traveling the next day, but it sounded like the roads might be passable, so off I went, thanking God for a sturdy truck with 4 wheel drive.
The highway was anything but clear—traffic had come to a near standstill. Vehicles lined up for miles as they were halted for mandatory chain controls, while others were stopped or moving slowly to allow snowplows to clear the roadway. The frustration was palpable as I sat behind the wheel, watching the long line of cars ahead and yearning to continue my journey more quickly.
Despite my growing impatience with the situation, I tried to remind myself to stay calm and patient, but it was HARD! The waiting seemed endless, and my desire to move forward only made the delay feel more difficult. At some point, I realized that I needed to calm down and change my attitude. I offered a prayer that the road would remain open and that everyone traveling that day would be safe. Accepting that the flow of traffic was out of my control helped me to start a slow turnaround with my attitude and emotions.
At that point, I began taking photos. First of the traffic in the rear-view mirror, wryly laughing at myself. Then I looked beyond the road, off into the forest, and realized what a beautiful winter wonderland was all around me. The snow was softly falling, swirling though the air to decorate the trees with delicate white frosting. The smooth mounds of snow covered rocky and dirt slopes, making the ordinary look magical. It was like a scene from a Christmas card.
In the end, the journey was long. What should have been a seven or eight hour trip took twelve hours and I got there late in the evening. Nevertheless I got there safely and I had savored a little winter beauty along the way rather than spending the entire trip so focused on the delays and missing the wonder around me. A hard trip, yes, but being patient changed my perspective from a negative one to one of acceptance.
Do I still sometimes get impatient. Sadly so, yes, but each time that another lesson in patience presents itself, I continue to try to improve my perspective to one of positive acceptance. Choosing a joyful path, even in the midst of struggles, is a choice in our journey of life.