Coat Check

Carol Condon
carolcondon5@aol.com

The raindrops were cold against my face as I rushed to the car. It was definitely not ideal weather to head out shopping in, but I had continually put it aside until I found myself out of options. I was too close to my deadline to put this shopping trip off any further. The windshield wipers were doing their job as I mentally began preparing my “to buy list.”

The rain had turned into sleet and it was just too cold to leave my coat in the car so, I stayed bundled up and dashed into the shopping mall. The warmth I was greeted with was welcoming after experiencing the dropping temperatures outside.

I only had one day to complete my shopping so I began to hit the stores with speed. It was not long before I realized that my coat was going to be quite the hindrance in my hurried state. I quickly forgot just how cold it was outside and I began questioning “why” I didn’t leave my coat in the car.

While walking down the hallway, I noticed a small sign at the entrance of a once vacant store. An easel stood to the right of the doorway holding the sign that read “Coat Check $3.00.” The fee seemed very reasonable, as I was already feeling quite steamy in my winter coat. The attendant took my money and my coat and I was handed the small ticket needed to redeem it at the end of my shopping.

I kept a close eye on the time and hurried from one store to another until my list was completed. The only thing left before I could head home was to retrieve my coat. I saw the line forming outside of the “coatroom” and quickly realized that I would not be leaving at the time I had planned.

With my claim ticket in hand I began my wait somewhat patiently. Having the ability to see my coat hanging on the rack just inside the door began to turn my somewhat patient wait into an impatient wait! I was so close to being able to leave; yet this wait was keeping me from doing so.

How often in life do we find ourselves facing a similar circumstance? Maybe it was when we were working so hard towards reaching a goal or when we were dragging so emotionally low during a trial that seemed to have no end when we suddenly visualized the end in sight. However, it might have been within reach but it was not happening fast enough. It becomes harder and harder to wait. We have the claim ticket to our promise but will we wait for it?

We wouldn’t risk losing our winter coat at the local shopping center. Although we may not be happy we find ourselves waiting until we claim our rightful possession. Do we have the faith to wait for our spiritual possessions? Hold onto your claim ticket! Wait until it is your turn. It will be worth the wait!