1 QUOTE

“We simply assume that the way we see things is the way they really are or the way they should be. Our attitudes and behaviors grow out of these assumptions.”

– Stephen Covey

1 NOTE

It was a cold, early morning (at least by Los Angeles standards). With towel, goggles and swim cap in hand, I got out of my car and rushed to the Silverado Park pool. With an important Zoom meeting in an hour, I had just enough to get in my laps. I was ready to check in but the welcome desk was empty. This had never happened before. In my impatience, I became critical of the attendant. Were they sleeping? Were they scrolling? Didn’t they know I had a church plant Zoom call? I knocked. I knocked again. Crickets. I looked into the office. No one. I thought to myself, “You only have one job!” I knocked again. I heard the handle turn. The door finally opened. But it wasn’t a park worker who opened the door. It was my friend, and fellow swimmer, Pastor Carl Kromminga.

Before I could share my short-sighted and petty complaints, with concern in his voice, he said, “John, an elderly woman is having a medical emergency.” He walked me to the pool deck. The life guards were helping a woman who while swimming lost consciousness and took in lots of pool water. The ambulance came. She was revived. We were all so relieved. And I was so convicted. Why was I so rigid and inflexible with my schedule? Why was I so arrogant to assume the lifeguards were slacking, scrolling and doing a bad job? Until Pastor Carl opened the door and gave me the truth, I thought I was 100% correct and justified in my sinful attitude. But I had the completely wrong read on the situation.

Every Monday night is ‘Win Your 20s’, Holy Faith Fellowship’s core book study (manuscript-based mentoring).  That night as I taught the Word, I looked differently at my friends around the table. “What are the wrong reads I have on my friends? What crisis is happening in their lives that I know nothing about.”  I asked the Holy Spirit to be like Pastor Carl and gently teach me about the people I lead. My heart was filled with love. I felt a long-suffering patience for my friends. I hope I never forget the lesson of ‘Pastor Carl and the Drowning Swimmer.’ Impatience is the opposite of love.

1 QUESTION

If you are like me, you are prone to selfish impatience (and anger) when things do not go as we plan. Will you join me in prayer this week and ask God to grow your perspective, patience and love for others?

Until Next Tuesday,

John