Have you ever returned merchandise to the shelf because the check-out line was too long? Have you ever become impatient when your flight was delayed? Have you been rude or sarcastic to a wait staff because your meal was late arriving? Have you become impatient with a spouse or family member because they kept you waiting? The majority of people would probably answer yes to one or more of these questions. I don't feel that way. I don't mind waiting. Believe it or not I learn so many things about human nature when I'm forced to wait for my life's adventures to happen. ( No to mention that I often find material for my writing!)
The wait in the airport! I rather enjoy it. Just think about how many life stories are represented. Do you ever wonder about the life of the seat mate on the plane? What happened before they came to the airport? Did they have someone to take them in their arms and say, "I love you?" Some passengers seem afraid to make eye contact. Others talk incessantly. Perhaps thy are on edge about the plane trip. Others seem to be mute. Even if you need to ask them something you hesitate. Oh well, we he gets up to leave the plane the edge of my skirt will be free! He is pretending to be asleep. How do I know? I'm the mother of four children. I digress. Let's go back to the airport waiting room. I like to play guessing games. Will the man with the gray hair have a lap top with him. I say, "No." But after he makes himself comfortable, out comes the expensive piece of electronic equipment. Mark a zero for me! Next person... she keeps dialing her cell phone and from the look on her face she isn't getting an answer. Tears begin to roll down her cheeks. Then I hear the cell phone ring. She answers and immediately her expression changes Someone dear to her has been heard from. Write your own story.
Let's change places. A long line at Wal-Mart. Any Wal-Mart. Anywhere. Human nature is the same all over. I have two items to check out...no short lines in sight. Oh well, choose one and maybe a kind soul will say you can go ahead of them. No such luck but I begin to notice the baby held by a petite young woman who appears to be doing her best to keep him quiet and pay for her groceries. I start to make faces at the baby. Slowly his mouth turns up in a smile. He calms down and a smile shows on the mother's face. As she picks up the bag of groceries with one hand, she turns and mouths a thank you.
Another scenario...a waiting room in a hospital. The middle-age couple sit as if they were made of stone. The door opens and only their eyes move to see the person who came through. It's evident this is not their bearer of news, good or bad. The man begins to cough and cannot control it. The woman does not react. I walk to the water cooler and bring him a cup of water. He takes my hand and whispers a weak, "thank you." Before another hour has passed he and his wife have told me their sad story. I listen without comment. They just needed to talk.
Reading has always been a great way to pass the time. I was curious to know what was popular. Sometimes I twisted my neck out of place trying to read the title on the paperback. These days I would have to get in some one's face to read their NOOK or Kindle.
Times have changed. But the art of waiting remains one of learned patience and tolerance. If you haven't mastered the art....try it and you will find that it beats stress and fuming by a mile. And it lowers your blood pressure.
