Patience

Most mornings I meet a woman on our walks. She always has a great smile, and a twinkle in her eyes as she walks around the lagoon. We started off by smiling at each other every morning, and I would say, “Hello!” earning a smile in response. But then she began to talk to me. I soon realized that talking was hard for her, her thoughts did not always line up as she would like them to. She would make a statement, and I would ask a question in response, and she would smile and walk on. When our paths crossed again on the other side of the lagoon she would sometimes have a response for me. One day she told me she was married to an Indian man and liked to cook curries. When I asked her favorite one to make she told me (on the other side) that she likes korma best. Another day she told me she had grown up in Ohio, one day she told me about some flowers she was growing (poppies and pansies) and today she whipped out her phone as she saw me coming to show me a picture of her twin sister.
I have come to really appreciate these small snatches of conversation. I love not knowing what subject will come up, and how much I will get to hear. Will it be a few words, or will she share something in excitement, and then fill in some blanks when I see her again on the opposite side of the lagoon? And maybe it will be a different subject when we see each other again. Part of what I love is that she is always so sparkly eyed and smiley! It makes my day.
At times like this I wish I were so patient and generous with God. In the fast paced world I want answers now. Don’t make me wait until I meet you on the other side of the lagoon. And don’t change the subject on me. I would much rather we sat together and you could just lay it all out. What’s going to happen? How is it going to happen? When is it going to happen? What do you want from me? What can I give you? Tell me now, oh sparkly eyed Divine One!
Instead I get snippets of information which leaves me feeling frustrated and trying not to worry.
I think I’m going to change my attitude and see my questions and conversations with God like the ones with Barbara. Enjoying each moment and allowing them to just be what they are.