If you are upset at having to set aside some great work that you consider more important than the task you are now forced to do, you ought to reflect that it is uncertain what is indeed more important. If something happens to disturb your plans, you should get on with doing it lest you be broken.

—Augustine, On Catechizing the Uninstructed, 14.20

Starting Tuesday I have been conscripted for jury duty for two weeks. Here in Franklin County, we are expected to do our civic duty (with which I have no problem) while the county makes it as inconvenient for us as possible. No call-in system. No sir. We get to go downtown each day for two whole weeks and wait. And wait. And wait. Cool.

As I muse on all this, Augustine’s advice is timely. Perhaps it will help me do my civic duty without too much grousing. 😉