Embracing Patience

Church of the Annunciation at the Chronicles of Georgia monument Tbilisi, Georgia

I hate waiting for anybody. It always makes me rather cross. I am not punctual myself, I know. But I do like punctuality in others.

Oscar Wilde

My son took the photo of the church, while visiting Georgia. I sympathize with the dog. He appears to wait in resignation for his Master to return. How often have I sat like this poor dog, waiting for someone or something?Hoping that whatever is going to come, will do so soon. Wishing my life away while I wait.

I will be the first to admit patience is not a virtue I, generally, possess. That character flaw presents a problem when it comes to waiting. Of course, it would be wonderful to live in the moment. I just desire the moment to move a little quicker.

One would think, at my age I would want to slow time down. And in some instances that’s true. Dinner with my family, spending time with a friend, trying to drag out the last pages of a good book. Waiting is not one of those instances. If I am anticipating something good, I want to experience it now. If I am expecting something unpleasant, I would just as soon get it over with.

We live in a fast paced world. Surrounded by deadlines, ticking clocks, and alarm bells. As we become older, new challenges replace past difficulties. Cultivating patience becomes a necessity as a way to reduce stress and live a longer, more peace filled life. For me, it’s a work in progress. But, I keep at it. Learning and growing continues at any age.

Peace be with you.