The Art of Patience
Reflections on 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry' during a 7-Hour Flight Delay
Have you ever found yourself stuck at an airport for longer than expected or desired? I'm sure you have, or if not yet, then it's likely to happen at some point soon enough. Two weeks ago, my wife and I were waiting for our flight from Tirana to Dortmund, scheduled to depart at 6:10 am. Around 6 am, we received the news that the flight would be delayed until 8:15 am. Initially, it was a little frustrating, but we received some complimentary coupons worth $4 each (which, as you may know, barely covers the cost of a coffee at the airport ☕️😭). I took out my Kindle and began reading "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer. I'm a fan of John Mark, and I felt this book was perfect for the situation. It helped alleviate my somewhat anxious state 😬, as my wife would describe it, and in the end, it was just a 2-hour delay.
No big deal, right?
Spoiler Alert!!
It ended up being a 7-hour delay. When I checked the flight app I discovered that the departure time had been pushed even further to 1:00 pm with two more complimentary coupons worth $4 each (yay 🎉). With a reluctant sigh, I stowed my Kindle, a blend of frustration and disappointment brewing within (evidently, not just within me, as my wife also noted 🙂). Suddenly, the message of "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" gained a deeper meaning.
I deeply want to become an unhurried contemplative person,
but I face internal resistance at every step.
Even though I initially felt frustrated, the delay turned into a chance for deep reflection, emphasizing the significance of being adaptable and resilient when dealing with life's unexpected events. It made me realize the benefits of patience and the importance of slowing down in a busy world. Plus, it allowed me to finish reading the entire book in one sitting. One can say I was in a hurry to finish it. 😅
Below, I want to share 3 reflections from that day:
1. Waiting Well
In a world where success is often measured by productivity and busyness, waiting can feel like a significant loss of time. Waiting is frequently misunderstood as doing nothing—a passive state that seems unproductive in our fast-paced world. Consider the tension you experience while waiting in line or stuck in traffic; this is not very different to how it feels when we are in a season of waiting on God. Perhaps you have been praying for a desired change in our lives, for a loved one struggling, or for a calling from God that has yet to materialize. Then you start to feel hopeless…
However, waiting is far from idle; it can be a profound act that allows our souls to mature and develop. In the words of a monk, 'When you’re waiting, you’re not doing nothing. You’re doing the most important something there is. You’re allowing your soul to grow up. If you can’t be still and wait, you can’t become what God created you to be.'1
I've come to see waiting as a sacred classroom for our souls, a time of growth and learning where we develop our ability to follow and trust God in the ordinary rhythms of life.
2. Embracing Stillness
“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” (Psalm 37:7)
Do you find it hard to just be still? Why do you think that is?
Life can be hectic, filled with noise and distractions. Embracing stillness is what will allow us to wait well. It is like creating a quiet oasis amidst the chaos, where we can connect deeply with God, ourselves, and others. This is why practices like solitude, silence, and setting aside a day for rest (like the Sabbath) are so important for our well-being.
When we take time for solitude, we step away from the busyness and learn to listen to the ‘still small voice’ of our Father (1 Kings 19:12) or when we learn to recognize the voice of our Shepherd (John 10:27). Silence becomes a way to really hear what's inside us, beyond words. And taking a day of rest helps us recharge and remember what truly matters.
Scripture usually associates stillness with rest and healing.
3. Letting Go of Hurry
Becoming an unhurried person doesn’t mean becoming inactive. Or, as John Mark Comer puts it, ‘Busyness is the enemy of spirituality. Inactivity is the enemy of spirituality. Both are. We have to find a way to live in the tension between the two.’2
We need to make an effort to make space for what matters most.
Rest isn’t laziness—it’s essential for rejuvenation and maintaining overall well-being. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and ensures that we have time for what truly matters.
Ultimately, letting go of hurry is a journey of cultivating presence and embracing flexibility. It’s about being fully engaged in each moment while allowing room for spontaneity. This balanced approach to life allows us to live authentically, with purpose and peace.
I hope these reflections can help the delays feel like an opportunity to let our souls grow. Ultimately it was for the better that the flight was delayed because the plane had some issues that would be dangerous. That said we are still waiting for a refund😜.
Questions to contemplate on:
Have you ever experienced a situation where a delay or unexpected event turned into an opportunity for deeper reflection and growth?
In what ways do you view waiting and stillness?
How can you create space for stillness and reflection amidst the busyness of daily life?
Sue Monk Kidd, When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life's Sacred Questions
John Mark Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
❤️
A great encouragement. Thanks Xhulio!