I can’t go anywhere this time of year without having to stand in line.

I can’t explain it, but this year I really don’t mind. It’s not like me, you know.

God has given me many gifts, but patience is not one of them.

Still, I seem to have found calm, peace, and tranquility standing in lines this year.

And of course, people.

Ah, that’s it. God sends me people. Even in lines.

I know I wasn’t in this one to be a peace maker, but I did calm a storm a bit today.

Everyone around me was upset. No one wanted to stand in line and everyone was in a hurry.

“I can’t believe this! You would think they’d open another register,” one woman said.

“It’s not that. It’s the people working here,” another added.

“You know, I am beginning to hate this time of year.”

“Yeah, it gets worse and worse,” one more chimed in.

The man across from me in another line said, “We go through all of this and in a flash it’s over. For what?”

“mumble, mumble mumble, You’re right!” The group responded.

Then, for no particular reason at all, I said, “Remember the old days?”

Everyone started telling stories. I heard about cookies mom used to make. One remembered the Radio Flyer they got one year and another talked about the meal and church service.

It quieted down for a moment as the line moved up by one person.

I then asked in a rather loud voice, “What if God said to you when you die that you could relive a minute of your time whenever you wanted to in Heaven. How many minutes would take you back to Christmas memories?”

It got very quiet. Finally one said, “Accept for the birth of my children and maybe the moment I fell in love…I think most of those minutes would be about Christmas.”

People fussed for a few moments as the line moved up more. No one complained, moaned or groaned.

“That’s why you’re standing in line. You’re making memories,” I said.

Before I knew it I was at the register, paid and on my way.

Just as I got to the door, I heard, “Excuse me!”

A young man with two children was standing there.

“Thanks, I think I needed to hear that more than anyone,” he said. “I think we all get a little too frustrated. I didn’t say anything, but I felt angry, too. When I heard you, I looked at my kids and suddenly nothing was more important.”

Take “a minute of your time” to remember why we celebrate and then next time you’re standing in line, take a minute to remember how.

Bob Perks 2believe@comcast.net