My phone dinged one recent morning, alerting me to the arrival of a new text message. In our family group chat, my daughter Hannah posted a question she had seen on social media: Repeat something your dad always said to you growing up.
She answered, “The shortest line takes the longest time. It’s something I still live by.” My son Brooks quickly responded, “I second this and actively tell people.”
I can’t recall where I first learned this, but I’ve found it to be true whether at Wal-Mart, Bass Pro, Disney World, or a slow-moving line of cars. Think about times you’ve been in a busy grocery store where half the town is waiting to checkout. You’re surveying everyone’s cart and notice one line is shorter than the rest. You race over and feel pretty, pretty good about moving up two spots. Within minutes your unspeakable joy inevitably turns into sorrow. The person checking out has a wad of coupons, but none match the items purchased. Then, the next person needs a price check on something located in the furthest corner of the store. What really makes your blood boil is watching everyone you thought you’d beat out heading to their cars. The shortest line takes the longest time.
This simple observation about lines can be a powerful illustration of a deeper truth about patience and trusting in God’s timing. We often seek the quickest, easiest path, assuming it will lead to the best outcome. We see the “shortest line” and assume it’s the fastest way to our goal. But life, like a checkout line, rarely works that way.
Consider Proverbs 16:9: “The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.” This verse reminds us that we make plans and strive for what we desire, but ultimately, God is in control. Our perceived “shortcuts” may not align with His plan, and what seems like a longer, more arduous path might be the one He has ordained for us. When we married, Wendy nor I had any idea the road God would lead us on. We had land and plans drawn up for a house north of Elk City. I had plenty of “Really, God? Are You sure?” moments, and He was right every time.
Just as we learn to avoid jumping into seemingly short lines in the store, we are called to trust in God’s timing, to be patient, and to rely on his strength, even when the path ahead seems long and uncertain. This isn’t about passive resignation but about active faith and trust that God’s plan for us is ultimately good, even if it doesn’t always align with our own immediate desires.
Chris Lambert, Director Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City
