I was in a foul mood on Friday night. Around 7 p.m., my wife and I went to McDonald’s to get something quick for supper. Instead of using the drive-up window, I ran inside to place my order. It has been my experience that doing this generally results in a more accurate order.

Anyway, as soon as I saw the line at the counter I realized I probably would have had quicker service at Applebee’s. About a dozen people were waiting in line, and only one cash register was open. Remember, this was on a Friday night during the dinner hour. When I finally got to the front of the line, I had to repeat parts of my order back to the cashier and tell her twice that the order was to go. I mused to myself that it certainly didn’t seem like fast food.

Later that night we went to a movie. The line at the concession stand was longer than the line at the ticket counter, even with two lines going. My wife went and held a couple of seats for us, while I waited &045; and waited &045; for my popcorn and soft drink. When I finally got to the front of that line, the guy ahead of me told me I could expect to wait a while, as both lines at the concession stand were being served by one employee. I shook my head and told him about my earlier experience at McDonald’s.

I originally was going to write this column about pokey customer service, when it dawned on me that there was really no reason for me to be in such a hurry in either instance. My original intention had been to simply go out and have a good time. I instead decided to write about something we could all use a little more of: patience.

I don’t recall the author or title, but there is an old story about some people riding on a train. Everybody was looking forward to arriving at the station, because that was where they would find everything they ever wanted, needed and hoped for. When they arrived at the station, all their problems would be solved. The problem was that after that station would be another, and another and another. The moral of the story was to not get so wrapped up in reaching your destination that you fail to notice everything the journey has to offer.

A lot of us want to be at the station. I notice this particularly while driving. I have noticed hurried drivers who get uptight when a driver ahead of them actually has the gall to make a complete stop at a stop sign. What nerve! How dare they delay those of us with important things to do in the name of safe driving! Apparently, some people view a red octagonal sign emblazoned with the word “STOP” as more than a suggestion.

I have also noticed drivers who have no patience for someone turning left, and will try to pass them on the right in the middle of an intersection. Sometimes this will allow them to arrive at the station a little earlier. Sometimes, when an oncoming car is turning left, it instead allows them to arrive at the emergency room-all in the name of saving precious time.

It’s not just in traffic where nobody wants to wait anymore. Look at how the Internet has changed the way we do business. Although I do not dispute the importance and value of prompt customer service, I can’t help but wonder just how fast is fast enough. Now that high-speed connections allow us to send large files in seconds, are we finally satisfied? Or will we keep pushing until we truly achieve instant gratification? My guess is the latter.

I am not opposed to technology that enables us to work more efficiently. I am opposed, however, to letting speed become the focal point of our lives. After all, living in a rush isn’t really living at all.

Relax. We’re all on the same journey, and we owe it to ourselves (and each other) to enjoy it.

Dustin Petersen is an Albert Lea resident. His column appears Tuesdays.