What would do if your friend was always late – always, always late?

Our trip had been planned for a year.  We had three canoes strapped to the roof of the van.  The gear was finally packed and we were ready to go – but our good friend, John, was late – once again.  We waited and waited some more. . . Until we finally left without him.

Now instead of two people sharing a canoe, one person would be forced to go solo.  Beyond the inconvenience of waiting, we would have to drive through rush hour traffic, then re-pack our gear and re-think our route.

Most people like it when airplanes are on time and dependable.  We like when our cars, cell phones and refrigerators are reliable.  We like when church, ball-games and movies start on time.  In fact, we expect it.

Therefore, it seems that being on-time and dependable would be an important part of honoring, respecting and loving other people.  After all, Jesus not only said, “love each other as I have loved you,” but he also gave us a living illustration when he washed the dirty feet of his disciples.

Looking back to that missed canoeing trip, some 40 years ago, John says being left behind was one of the best things that ever happened to him.  At first, he was mad but he ultimately said that it gave him a wake-up call, and taught him the importance of being on time.

So who are you?  Are you always on time, or chronically late?

Perhaps it is just a little thing to be on time.  But it sure speaks big words about how you value others.