I’ve never been known to be a person with a lot of patience. I suppose I come by it honestly. My grandmother, we called her MotherMac, was like that, too. She believed in getting things done, and getting it done now. If a cake took 30 minutes to cook in the oven at 350 degrees, then she believed you could get it done in 25 minutes at 450 degrees. She would want a project done and “get it out of the way,” a line we heard her use many times.
I am often like that. When on the road working, I want to get there, get it done, and get back home. Any delays can mess up my schedule. It is especially true when dealing with backups due to road construction. It may only be for a few minutes, but to me, it seems like hours. Yes, I need to work on my patience.
Patience and road construction. That reminds me of Ruth Bell Graham, the late wife of the famous evangelist, Billy Graham. (Trust me, there is a connection.) Ruth Bell Graham was born in China, the daughter of missionaries stationed there. She was married to Billy Graham for 65 years, until her death in 2007.
Ruth Graham was always a strong supporter of Billy Graham’s ministry, and helped in many ways, usually behind the scenes. But her primary role for many years was raising their five children, often single-handed, since Billy was gone for long periods of time with crusades and ministry.
Raising those five children was difficult. But Ruth did it well, and with a keen sense of humor. It is said she once was asked, with Billy being gone so much and she stuck with the children, had she ever thought about divorce. With a sly grin she answered, “Divorce, never. But murder, that’s another story.” Concerning marriage, she also stated, “Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart.” And, “Every cat knows some things need to be buried.”
Here’s why I’m thinking about Ruth Bell Graham. Once, while Ruth and Billy were driving through a long construction zone in Charlotte, Ruth saw a sign at the end of the work zone that simply stated, “End of construction. Thank you for your patience.”
“I want that on my tombstone,” Ruth said. And it is. If you go to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, you will see the grave of Ruth Graham, with the simple inscription she wanted.
“Thank you for your patience. End of construction.” Ruth Graham knew a great truth. We are all under construction. We are all just a big, messy construction project until the day we die.
I am thankful I had parents who were patient with me when I was young and stupid. And I am thankful today, that I have loved ones around me who are patient now that I am older and not quite so stupid, but often still stupid. But more than that, I am thankful for a patient and loving God, who began his construction process in me fifty years ago, and is continuing the work today.
So my personal construction is continuing. Maybe part of my construction is learning patience while sitting in line crawling down the highway in a construction zone. Maybe it’s being compassionate and kind enough to let that driver in who is trying to sneak his way into my lane. I’m not too sure about that. I’m still under construction.