I read an short article today about a mathmetician who claims he can mathmetically calculate which grocery story checkout line would be the fastest. Actually, the article didn't really offer any concrete solutions, but the comments that followed peaked my interest.
Most people complained about the little old ladies who wait until their order is completely totalled before they start looking through all their coupons, or try to find their checkbook, etc. Others complained about over-loaded moms with kids, distracted men on cell phones, chatty customers, rude checkers, and those who mis-use WIC coupons.
Some people offered good advice about the best times to shop, how to be organized before you get in the checkout line, and how we could help in the checkout process so everyone ends up a happy camper. I couldn't help feel that a big picture had been missed in all this conversation. I was going to leave this comment at the site, but decided I'd write it here on Xanga instead...
First of all, we live in a country where we can buy just about anything we want right off the shelves from at least half a dozen grocery store locations in just about any town. Isn't that good enough? To fret and stew about having to wait a few extra minutes behind an old lady or haggered mom is simply an indication of how spoiled and impatient we, as a culture, have become.
I suggest that we be glad we have groceries in our cart and that we can afford to buy them. Okay...maybe we can send bad vibes to people on cell phones and those who blatanly mis-use WIC, but seriously, check the attitude.
Second, I think part of the problem is that we plan to do too much in too little of time, so when people get in our way, we blame them for our stress.
My #1 rule: Never expect to "just run in and out" of a store (or post office, or bank, etc). I usually double or triple the time I think it should take. I apply this rule to just about any planning I do, and when delays beyond my control occur...no worries...I've planned for it. And when I find I have extra time, I let the haggered mom go ahead of me...she probably needs to get out of the store faster than I do. As for little old ladies...well, it just sucks getting old...you'll see.
Third, patience is a character trait that needs to be developed and hauled out and used from time-to-time. The impatience I feel behind a slow person isn't their fault; it's a character trait in me that apparently needs improving. A slow grocery store line is a perfect place to 1) find out how much or how little patience I have, and 2) it's the perfect time to take a deep breath and give my patience "muscles" a little workout.
Each time I do this, my ability to draw on patience becomes easier, my stress level diminishes, and I increase my chances of handling future patience-demanding circumstances with ease and grace.
Fourth, I've learned that when I'm walking close to God, I can trust that He has "my time in His hands." If I have planned as best as I can, but I've still run off schedule and the person in front of me isn't helping, and my anxiety isn't due to lack of patience, but more like a fear of being late...then I fall back on God's plan which doesn't always follow my schedule. Who knows what accident I've missed, or tragedy has been avoided, just because I was delayed in a store a few extra minutes.
Sometimes, all it takes is a reminder...patience, Nancy, patience...

Have a great weekend.
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