WIM - Subcriber Articles

On Waiting in Line

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 - 9:18 AM CST

By Judy Rachels

It happened, during the long wait in the seemingly endless serpentine lines at the security gate of LAX. I had a Bible in my briefcase, a message in my heart. I was on my way to deliver my soul to waiting ears; just give me an audience! But, was there another message I needed?

Minutes in the line were filled with the usual avoiding eye contact, restless shifting, soft banter; when suddenly, railing and screeching around the corner, a suspected terrorist burst on the scene. His wild-eyed, out-of-control presence gained everyone's attention. He was pushing his own vehicle, disregarding personal space, ignoring the fear of the endangered patrons. He was clearly in charge. Computer cases crunched, carry-ons smashed, toes and shins skinned, his energy not waning.

A pathetic and helpless looking young couple followed the suspect, encumbered with a frayed grey blankie, a well-worn teddy bear, sippy cups dangling from several fingers, a baggie of gold fish crackers and a fist full of pacifiers. The culprit was 2-years old.

An experienced mother, I ached for the haggard looking twosome - for about a second. I was reminded of the truism. "It doesn't matter who wears the pants in the family, it's the one in diapers who calls the shots."

This kid was out of control.

The guy behind us in line made the day for me when he said, "It looks like they forgot to give that kid a dose of ACT RIGHT." I loved it, and determined to use that phrase again.

I remembered days when I'd forgotten to take my dose. I spoke rather than listened. I insisted on seeing things only from my point of view. I was frustrated when others demands intruded on my agenda. I resented petitions that ruined my well-laid plans. I chafed under challenging cross-cultural issues. I had grown weary in "well doing." I had ignored "Don't get tired of acting beautifully" (Galatians 6:9, Phillips).

ACT RIGHT is not a new medication. It has been proven effective in the treatment of the blahs, discouragement, and the yearning to "give up."

If one looks carefully on the label of ACT RIGHT, the ingredients are listed as follows: "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, long suffering" (Galatians 5:22,23).

Years ago, someone challenged me to add a verb before each of those virtues - works like "evidencing, showing, giving, insisting on, resting in." Good advice.

Dosage varies daily. Keep a bottle handy.

Judy Rachels is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God. Judy and her husband, Ray Rachels, are retired from positions in the Southern California district, but still active in ministry.