I AM WAITING ....

When I go anywhere and see a line I might have to wait in, I get a little sick! When the traffic is too congested, when things don't happen on "jana" time ... I get irritated. So it's no wonder when I went to Relief Society on Sunday and we had a lesson based on Elder Uctdorf's conference talk, "Continue In Patience" I had to hang my head in shame ...LOL!

"Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem unpleasant and, at times, bitter. Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace." Elder Uchtdorf

Then Elder Uchtdorf went on to say,
"Impatience, on the other hand, is a symptom of selfishness. It is a trait of the self-absorbed. It arises from the all-too-prevalent condition called “center of the universe” syndrome, which leads people to believe that the world revolves around them and that all others are just supporting cast in the grand theater of mortality in which only they have the starring role."

What???!!! I am not the center of the universe? hum ...who knew?? Huh ... no wonder I'm such a mess, I am simply too impatient! The scriptures tell many stories of those who waited ... the Jews wondering in the wilderness for 40 years, Jacob waiting for 7 years for Rachel (7 years ...??? Well Jacob I'll see those 7 years and raise you 10 more, dude I'm still waiting for my one and only).

I have really thought about things since Sunday ...

though I lack in patience in some things ... I endure quite well in others, so I am not a totally lost cause! Elder Uctdorf reminded me in this talk how important it is for me to learn how to chill! He reminded me of simple truths, for example, Patience is a godly attribute that can heal souls, unlock treasures of knowledge and understanding, and transform ordinary men and women into saints and angels. Patience is truly a fruit of the Spirit. That is totally awesome!

Patience means accepting that which cannot be changed and facing it with courage, grace, and faith.

And so the next time I am forced to wait in a line ... or get interrupted or get stuck in traffic ... I will think of it as a potential faith promoting experience!
Will I really do that??? maybe not, but I will definitely think twice before saying something totally inappropriate!

Pooh, My Hero!

Pooh's Perils of Wisdom:

•1. "Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there someday."
•2. "A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise."
•3. "If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you."
•4. "I don't see much sense in that," said Rabbit. "No," said Pooh humbly, "there isn't. But there was going to be when I began it. It's just that something happened to it along the way."
•5. "If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you."
•6. "Some people care too much, I think it's called love."
•7. "You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes."
•8. "It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "How about lunch?"
•9. "When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish."
•10. "Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it."
•11. "If the person you are talking to doesn't appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear."
•12. "When having a smackerel of something with a friend, don't eat so much that you get stuck in the doorway trying to get out."
Ever since A.A. Milne's stories & poems were first published in 1926 different generations children have fallen in love with Pooh and his friends.