Laughter in Waiting

Growing Daily

Laughter in Waiting

I was in a doctor’s waiting room last week when a nurse swung open the door and called the next patient’s name.  The swoosh of air stole the first letter:

" ...onald?"

“Yes, that's me.”

I followed her back, where she verified my birthdate.

“March 3rd?”

“Ummm... no, I’m in September.”

“Wait — is your name Donald?”

“No… I’m Ronald.”

We laughed as she walked me back up front and called for the “other” Donald.  This time, two guys in the waiting room stood up simultaneously! So… two Donalds and a Ronald stood there looking at each other when — I kid you not — another patient arrived to check in.  His name?  Greg Donald.

The nurse just looked at us and burst out laughing.  You can't make this stuff up. 

Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” That afternoon, the medicine came before the appointment.

Yes, I felt slightly embarrassed by the mix-up, and yes, I had a longer wait. But laughter reminds us that not every inconvenience is a crisis. Sometimes grace shows up in a waiting room disguised as a group of smiling strangers.

And beneath the humor is something more enduring.  In a crowded place, names may blur together, but the Lord never confuses His children.  Isaiah 43:1 says, “I have called you by name; you are mine.”  

So relish the humorous mix-ups in life. But let them remind you that you’re never lost in the crowd. You’re fully known and called by name — by the One who never gets it wrong.

- Ron Reid