If you’ve watched streaming movies or listen to streaming music … if you stream anything … odds are you’ve experienced a temporary break in service or a buffering issue. Waiting for the loading bar to scroll across the screen or stop cycling and resume is irritating. In my home, this is met with grumbling, sarcastic spouts of “wonderful,” or exclamations of “oh come on,” and “seriously?” There is no end to the ways we show our irritation as we stare at the painfully sluggish bar.
Waiting… Waiting… Waiting…
Impatient to get on with the show.
One night, as I stared at the bothersome loading bar, I had an epiphany. The way I view interruptions in my movies is similar to how I handle interference in my day-to-day life. I tend to go about my life, expecting much the same as the day before, and the day before that, and so on. When that doesn’t happen, I get annoyed as if life somehow owes me consistency. Yet, when those obstacles don’t occur, am I thankful?
Sometimes. But not often enough.
Why is that? It’s clear why I get upset when things don’t go smoothly. But why am I ungrateful when it does?
Mind you, I’m not referring to pleasant interruptions. That doesn’t require strength of character. I don’t know anyone who would get angry if a sweepstakes van appeared in their driveway with a giant check–unless your neighbor’s name was written on it.
Is it possible that we need such interruptions. Perhaps they give us a chance to learn something–to grow our character. How can we become patient without practicing patience? How can we learn to remain calm without irritations that allow us to practice?
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” – Ephesians 4:2
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.” – Psalm 37:7-8
And how can we appreciate smooth sailing unless we’ve experienced storms?
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” – Romans 5:3-4
So, the next time the loading bars of life get you down, do what I did. Get off the couch. Write a blog. Learn something. Build character. Grow.
And if things are running smoothly–give thanks.
“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
You are loved,
J F Rogers