Choose Connection

When you are called to have patience, look for ways to connect. Disruptions in our busy lives might actually be opportunities to connect.

A week ago, I was at the DMV to renew my license and upgrade to the Real ID. My appointment started at 3:00, but when I arrived, I was told I didn’t have the right paperwork. So, I rushed home, grabbed the documents, and returned at 3:30. As I did, I found myself complaining, thinking, "Why didn’t I check the form that listed the required documents?" I’m sure you’ve heard that inner voice that criticizes you for not being prepared.

When I got back, the line was incredibly long—there were over 100 people waiting. Since I knew it would take a while, I put away my ear pods and started talking to the woman next to me. We quickly discovered we had a lot in common—both of us were coaches and took people on retreats. We enjoyed our conversation and, at her request, I even did a bit of coaching with her.

I later realized I could have renewed my license by mail or online since I already had the Real ID, which I discovered midway through the wait. I didn’t leave the DMV until almost 5:00 PM. If I hadn’t forgotten my documents, I wouldn’t have had the chance to connect with her.

Still, the experience was more than just waiting for a license—it was a chance to connect. Life, to me, is about connecting with yourself, others, and God.

I have another quick story from my run today. As I was running, it felt like I was just moving straight ahead, lost in my thoughts, without any turns or detours. Without noticing I had to veer off onto a different path. On my walk back, I pulled up Google Maps, thinking I was almost back at the starting point, only to discover I was still 15 minutes away. I had taken an unexpected turn and strayed from my original route. Instead of feeling frustrated, I embraced the extra time. I slowed down, listened to the birds singing all around, and watched the squirrels darting across through the trees. It turned into a quiet, meditative moment to reconnect with nature, with myself, and with something bigger than me.

So, the moral of the story is this: If you take more time to do something than you planned, maybe it’s not a loss—it’s an opportunity (if you choose it to be). Look for ways to choose connection in those moments when frustration tries to take over.