THAT'S NOT THE WAY I ROLL- BUT I GUESS I NEED TO LEARN TO

I realized today just how impatient I tend to be with other people and situations that arise in life.

I've always been irritated easily- not a very godly trait. But it seems like there is always something that annoys me. Whether it's the annoying customer that just babels or the one that takes forever to make up their mind and then asks stupid questions, or the drivers that stops just in time to not cross at the red light- and does so in the pedestrian lane so that I have to wait for another light to cross, there's always something or someone irritating.

I woke up late this morning, only to find out that the complex had shut the water off. This meant no shower, no coffee (I had to reheat some and use what little bottled water I had for the rest), and no cooking (I had cereal). I was frustrated and immediately went to the office to find out what was going on. The managers said to give it until 11 am, and it should be on again. I did. By 12:15, it was still not on. So, I went to the office again, and was told that they didn't know when it was going to be on again, there was an emergency that required turning the water off, and that it would be on as soon as possible. I was upset, but was nice- outwardly. When I got back to my apartment, I realized something- the managers were in no way at fault. It was the responsibility of the people fixing the problem to have the water back on as soon as possible. And when I left the office, I saw the stick that they use to turn the water off and on in the hole- and no one was around working on it. I became upset once more.

And then I knew that I was wasting my time and energy on something that, in the long run, really didn't matter. Yeah, it was annoying to not be able to shower, or cook food, but at least I had food, and a way to sponge off. There are so many people that would be grateful for just that. I had a nice, warm shower yesterday, have cereal and bread in the fridge, and a warm bed to sleep in, with a roof over my head. Another important revelation: people in general are impatient. This is why they stop in the pedestrian lane (they think they can make it across, then realize that they can't), cut people off, or almost run me over. They are impatient and rude because it is all about them and their needs. They are self-centered, self-focused, selfish. What a sad way to live!

It's like God was saying, "Do you really want to be like them? For that is not what I desire from you. You are to be different, set apart from this world for me. You are to be an example of the way that things are supposed to be, not the way things are."

"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." - Romans 12:2 (NLT) (emphasis added)

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)

So, the next time you or I become impatient or upset, remember that God has set us apart for His work, and He desires us to be like Him.