Have you have gotten to the train tracks and eagerly dashed across thankful that no train was coming? Have you ever seen the lights start flashing and a little bit of panic started growing inside you? What happens when the arm goes down and you are behind it? Here comes the parade of what feels as if 500 slow-moving box cars are passing by you. How do you feel? I bet even the mere thought is making some even a little anxious. The railroad crossing sign is a true symbol in the virtue of how to be patient. How can you apply this to your everyday life and what does patience actually mean?
Patience Definition-
The Oxford dictionary states that the definition of patience is that you are able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. Under it are a bunch of adjectives. One, in particular, is very familiar in the Bible and the word is long-suffering. According to the Bible long-suffering means to endure in difficulties. This word breaks down even further into two greek words, “long and “temper”. Basically this is the ability to control oneself when angry. Read more about it and important quotes about long-suffering at gotquestions.org . So what does this all have to do with the railroad crossing sign? Well, the answer is a lot.
I recently became stuck …
For about twenty minutes, completely stuck behind that crossing arm a few months back with my daughter in the car. I could have become all impatient and hot-headed. But I stopped and thought about it because my attitude would not have made those train cars move any faster. Such as in life, sometimes you just have to laugh and make the best of the situation you are stuck in at that moment. Those train cars will eventually pass and you will be free to go about your daily life. So seriously, what is being all hotted going to do besides give you a headache and remember, someone, might be watching you.
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
Proverbs 14:29 NIV
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
All Eyes on You-
When we become impatient and stomp our feet like a four-year-old who didn’t get the cookie they wanted, someone might be watching. In my case, it was my young daughter in the backseat. We don’t want to portray ourselves to anyone as a miserable, fly-off the handle type of person. Instead, we need to be that person people look up and feel inspired by instead. Lead by example.
In addition, one way that people can do this is by trusting in the Lord and following the Stop Sign Principle discussed in the last part of this series. Surrender, trust, obey and praise.
Read all about How to Find a Message from God in a Stop Sign
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Be Happy
When we are in situations where we are stuck, we need to be happy and content. As stated before, impatient behavior will not get a person anywhere faster. Look around you. Perhaps you can take that moment to think about what you are happy for or use the time to make memories with those around you. My daughter had a moment where she started talking about the poop train. It turned into a funny banter between the two of us and a great memory. What’s your happy?
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Philipians 4:13
Worst case scenario when all else fails, keep your eyes on Him.
Focus on God and the Bible and even if you might feel stuck at that rail crossing sign for what seems like ages, God will still be there to keep you on the right path.
I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.
Psalm 16: 8-9
Final Thoughts
Remember next time you try to beat the train or even get stuck, that there is no rush. The railroad crossing sign is sending a message to be patient. Don’t be quick to anger. Perhaps you are stuck there for a reason. You might miss that reason if you become all hot-headed and impatient.
And though following a very Christian Post, I am still human and so I will send a post the link to the Epic Poop Video when we got stuck at the Train Crossing. Viewing is totally up to the viewer.
As always, thanks for reading and feel free to follow us on Social Media for more content!
Peace, Love and French Fries,
Adventures of Abby Girl
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