I watched a sandpiper this morning as he raced a ghost crab to its hole. Patiently, patiently, he stood beside the hole long after the crab disappeared, not moving his body, absolutely still. He waited for a long time, staring quietly at the vacant hole. I stood and watched, awed by the sandpiper’s suspension of movement. When the crab suddenly reappeared, certain the bird had vanished, he was quickly gobbled up. I think of my own impatience, how often I give God my timetables, my schedules, my deadlines and ask Him to move on my terms. I need, like that sandpiper, to learn patience. Please, God, may I wait at your side, knowing that your timetable is better than mine. Please teach me to be patient; forgive me my foolish demands. Let me be still and know that you are God. Amen.