Patience

by John Parker

Engineer Ron Owens operates a freight train that runs between New Orleans and Mobile. Over a 28-year period he has seen eight people killed by his train because they got onto the tracks in front of it when there was no time for him to stop. At 45 mph he needs a mile to stop the train. The greatest problem with people trying to race across the tracks ahead of the train, he says, is impatience. it only takes him one minute and twelve seconds on the average to go through an intersection, but people risk their lives to avoid having to wait (USA TODAY, March 22, 1999).

Lack of patience is the cause of many problems, and the possession of patience provides many benefits. The person who is patient in controlling his temper is blessed, while those quick to anger suffer.

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9:

8 "Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.

9 Do not be eager in you heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools."

Let us all this week be patient and not rush across the tracks to be angry.

• Hoover Dam -Nov 21, 1999