just a little patience

When I was little I had this record. Well, I had a lot of records but I remember this one in particular. For one thing, contrary to the rest of my assorted Disney 45’s and old cartoon anthems, this was a grownup’s record. Full-sized 33 with it’s own dust-jacket and everything. I couldn’t even play it on my little Fisher-Price record player, I had to use my parents’ turntable and stereo system. And I did. A lot.

I don’t remember what the album was called, but in retrospect it was something with a Christian connotation. The cover was this large cartoon snail in dark muted colors that I liked to trace the contours of with my fingers. I don’t remember how many songs it might have had, or even if it had more than the one I remember; but to this day I find myself singing under my breath:

“Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry. When you don’t, have patience, you only start to worry. Remember. Remember. That god has patience, too. So think of all the time’s when others had to wait for YOU!”

Generally speaking, I think of myself as a greater than average patient person.

At the same time, I have no time for idiots.

Also, there can be certain things that shut me down completely and fast. My jaw will clench, my answers will become terse, and my eyes will flare. Traffic is not one of these things. I’m not entirely certain what the triggers even are as they seem to be completely situational…stubbing my toe, for instance, is not guaranteed to get me there and instead usually elicits a laugh. But sometimes…

In the past, I was quick to anger, but I’ve not decided if this was due to my being a teenager or more because of an actually bad attitude. I lean towards the former; though the holes I punched in walls, chairs, and windshields back then suggest the latter.

It’s been at least a decade and a half since I’ve punched anything in anger…but Justin Bieber, you’re on my last nerve.

Update
found it!
The snail was on the inside cover or the back, I think…I remember distinctly being fascinated by the whatsamajig machinery on the front now that I see it.