Giving up impatience for Lent
1st March 2006
What are you giving up for Lent? Me? I’m giving up impatience.
I know this is supposed to be a season of penance rather than an indulgence in self-improvement. But then I’m not Catholic and impatience must be one of my pleasures since I’ve indulged in it for so long.
I don’t like to wait in line — not at the grocery store, not at a restaurant, not at the border. I’m frustrated by people driving below the speed limit and the time it takes to pass all the security checks when making a RAS connection at work.
I’ve been trying a thought experiment the past few days and I have been surprised by the results. Every time I feel impatient or sense myself rushing, I ask, “Why are you impatient? What’s the value of hurrying?” There are some valid answers to those questions — diarrhea or free Krispy Kreme donuts among them — but mostly there is no good reason. What am I missing if I don’t make the traffic light? Especially what am I missing if Dawn and Maya are in the car with me? So all the tables are full. That’s just an opportunity to study the restaurant’s decor or watch people come and go.
Most of all, though, I value grace, dignity, and kindness — not characteristics usually associated with impatience and rushing about.
It’s going to take a lot of practice and a lot of discipline, but I hope to emerge a better person. And isn’t that really the spirit of Lent?
March 1st, 2006 at 14:40
More power too you… I’m giving up fasting. ;)
March 1st, 2006 at 14:40
oop, that should be to! Jeesh. Maybe I gave up typing on Wednesdays?
March 2nd, 2006 at 22:40
Lent? Don’t have the time for that nonsense.