Patience

Merriam-Webster defines PATIENCE as the capacity, habit, or fact of being patient; or ability to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people.

Patience is frequently referred to as a virtue or beneficial quality to be practiced. But how does one obtain this virtuous quality? I remember throughout my life being advised by my parents, teachers, and supervisors to ‘be patient.’ No fairy godmother ever tapped my shoulder with her magic wand and said, “Here you go, you are now full of PATIENCE.” And, no one ever told me this is how you become patient.

Edward G. Buliver-Lytton said, “Patience is not passive; on the contrary, it is active; it is concentrated strength.” Oh my gosh, now it sounds like I need to go out and lift weights to get this thing called PATIENCE. It sounds like a lot of work to me. PATIENCE does require practice and practice makes things easier. We have all been practicing PATIENCE at some level throughout our lives whether we choose to or just plain had to be patient.

Here is my definition of PATIENCE; the courage, strength, and faith all things in life are working in the Divine Order of Divine Time for the Divine Outcome. And here is what I have learned about PATIENCE. In the absence of PATIENCE lurks fear and those feelings associated with fear like anxiety, anger, helplessness and criticism of self and others. In the presence of PATIENCE resides a sense of calm, trust, and detachment from the outcome.

Caution, developing PATIENCE does not mean stopping action. It simply means having the courage to let go and not force or try to control the unfolding. It means having the courage to accept the unfolding. And, it means having faith and knowing you can relax into the unfolding of the Divine Outcome.

What feelings do you experience when life puts you on hold?

How might life be different if you had more PATIENCE?

BE PATIENCE