...especially when it counts!
I've often heard "Patience is a virtue" and I jokingly say: 'Patience maketh a man, not a woman!" But, truth be told, it is in all of our best interests to nurture patience if we are not naturally gifted with it. After all, it is a fruit of the Spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," (Galatians 5:22)
In a society where almost everything is so "instantly" accessible, it's more challenging to exercise patience when it really counts. It seems to me that sometimes we just need to be polite and kind to one another by exercising patience. There seems to be an alternative available for the most part that we don't need to be patient. BUT! There are times when you simply don't have a choice and you need to buckle down and be patient. For example, being at the dentist's or doctor's office. You just have to sit and wait until your name is called. No matter how much pain, you just have to be still--of course this doesn't apply when it's an emergency, because no one expects you to wait... though... I have seen people waiting at the emergency room of a hospital. Thankfully, even that wait is not as long as at a regular doctor's office. Anyway, that's just one example so you get the gist!
When it comes to relationships--patience is vital. In order for them to grow/mature and become more meaningful, it takes time and you have to be fully invested. Being fully invested requires patience to embrace the other person--just as they are--without the intent of "patiently waiting to change them." When it counts... exercise patience... but if you choose to live with an attitude and approach that is continually exercising patience, no matter what comes your way, you will be better prepared to handle it with a patient heart and mind.
Wherever (and whenever) you find yourself having to "wait" for something or someone... including your dreams... consider patience. You will be glad you were patient! "Patience is a key element of success." (Bill Gates)
