Patience

"I Quit." Ever said that? "I quit my job today." I quit trying to make my marriage work." "I quit the business because . . ." "I quit the church because . . ."

Those words "I quit" are often times too hastily spoken. Sometimes people quit before they even get started. I admire persistence and the spirit of those who refuse to give up. In Everett, Washington there is a restaurant that exists today because some brothers refused to quit. They experienced one set back after another. Finally, one of the brothers said, "This place will open when pigs fly." Today you can enjoy a fine meal in a place that is called "The Flying Pig."

As much as I admire persistence in people, I am most grateful for God who refuses to give up on humanity-especially me. If it were left up to many of us, I can imagine that most of us would be at the end of our patience. The end of world would have taken place long before now, but God is not like you and me. The Bible tells us He is "long suffering," which means that He is patient. He is willing to give us one more opportunity to come to Him. How long will you keep Him waiting? How long will you try His patience?

Norm Russell.