Patience Is A Virtue

Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, my friends. 

Nobody enjoys being patient. We feel like whatever it is we’re waiting for should arrive or materialize NOW rather than later (the ol’ Amazon Prime complex). Later is obsolete. I mean, you might not even want that thing later. “Now” provides the instant gratification we seek. Out with the slow burn and in with the lightning-quick combustion (*whoosh*) of a Christmas tree in an open field.

Unfortunately, life can’t always match us step for step. Many of life’s greatest material goods, goals, and milestones require long-term dedication and persistence. It’s an age-old principle that takes a great deal of effort, and truth be told; that effort can be painful.

I’ve been writing and reflecting about this concept since the fall of 2018. It was a virtue instilled in me long before, but it wasn’t until that fateful fall semester that I chose to dive deeper. At that time, I yearned for clarity that life couldn’t give me. Where would I start my career? Where would my friends end up? A million more questions ensued, but it led me to the realization that I had to focus on the journey first, because once the destination was reached, the chase would conclude.

Being patient for the things you crave requires painstaking focus. Once you lose that focus and act overzealously, you might burst your own bubble. Believe me, I have plenty of things I want now that I understand won’t materialize overnight:

I want the pod to take off.

I want to discover my dream career.

I want to have flexibility in my schedule and the opportunity to travel.

I want options.

I want to find love.

Anybody know where the nearest American Dream store is?

During these moments of subtle panic, I look within. Underneath all the lingering themes, there’s a question I’ve been asking myself for 4 years:

If I had access to a crystal ball that prophesied the future, would I look in?

I’d know exactly where I end up and have those burning inquiries answered, but at what cost? I’d forfeit the moments of growth and uncertainty along the way that build true character. Each brick and pillar of patience lead to a complete human being. Would I really want to expedite the process and forgo building a strong foundation?

I’ve got so many things in my life that I – at times – desperately desire. Reflection has strengthened my defenses, but alas, those desires always creep in. Be real with yourself and permit time to ponder. You might be feeling anxious about something coming to fruition, but don’t allow that feeling to overpower the original thread. Good things come with time, and time is our most valuable commodity.