I meet with and talk with a lot of people and one thing I don\u2019t think I have ever heard is someone say they are really good at being patient.\u00a0 Not many people list that as a strength, most often it\u2019s listed as a weakness.\u00a0 The meaning of the word patience is quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence.\u00a0 It\u2019s an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.\u00a0 Calmness, stability, and persistent courage in trying circumstances.\u00a0 Does that describe me?\u00a0 How about you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have you heard or made this comment: \u201cBe careful when you pray for patience, because you might be tested.\u201d\u00a0 It\u2019s almost like we are afraid to ask God for patience, because then we may be put into a position to have to actually be patient.\u00a0 So why is it so hard for most people to be patient?\u00a0 Why is this this virtue such a challenge to the majority of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of it stems from living in an instant gratification culture.\u00a0 We have access to almost anything through our computers and phones, from emails to movie tickets.\u00a0 I have seen people nearly go ballistic if they have to wait in line for more than a few minutes.\u00a0 When looking to check-out at Walmart we work hard at finding the quickest line and when the line beside us goes faster, we get angry.\u00a0 This mindset of getting things instantly has a dark side to it.\u00a0 It affects our emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity.\u00a0 The capacity to wait \u2013 trading a temporary delight for a more substantial success later- is a core component of emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wait\u00a0for the\u00a0Lord;
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0be strong\u00a0and take heart
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0and wait for the\u00a0Lord. Psalms 27:14<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we have a hard time waiting, we tend to act like children and throw a temper tantrum to get what we want.\u00a0 Studies at Columbia University measured 4 year old\u2019s ability to resist candy, then followed up more than a decade later.\u00a0 Kids who could wait only a few seconds for the candy, had SAT scores as teens that averaged 60 points lower than those of the kids who\u2019d had the self-control to resist for 5 minutes or longer.\u00a0 Good things come to those who wait.\u00a0 This is often hard to see in the moment when we really want something.\u00a0 However, going with those first impulses can get us into trouble and into debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news is that we can all change and everyone can improve in this area of patience. Our brains can be rewired and transformed, so that we actually respond and behave in a different way. This of course takes time and patience with lots of endurance. Here are a few suggestions on how to practice and improve our patience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I meet with and talk with a lot of people and one thing I don\u2019t think I have ever heard is someone say they are really good at being patient.\u00a0 Not many people list that as a strength, most often it\u2019s listed as a weakness.\u00a0 The meaning of the word patience is quiet, steady perseverance; … <\/p>\n