I recently read a small booklet talking about “Patience”. And I realized that being patient is so important for our Physical, Mental , Social and Spiritual wellbeing.


Losing patience on the road may lead to grave consequences. It may cost us our lives or the lives of others.


The author argued that “At its heart, impatience is one of the traits of self- centeredness”. He illustrated it with clear examples of children who want what they want and when they want it.


We would expect that we as adults are able to wait and consider the needs of others. Unfortunately, we live in a society that has become “ I want it now” generation. We seek instant and immediate results and find it very hard to delay gratification. We have Fast food, Instant noodles, Instant photo and others.


In pursuing our self-centered interest, Dean Ohlman shared that we may have the following thoughts:


– “Don’t you know that your slowness is irritating me”


– “I don’t have time to deal with your problem”


– “This waiting is inconvenient for me”


– “ My time is more important than your time”

When we are being patient, in essence we are learning to be more understanding and practicing empathy towards others. The Golden rule teaches us to “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. When we learn to be patient, we learn to love ourselves ( caring for our own mental health ) and love others too.


When we exercise patience and self-discipline in pursuing our final goal, we learn the art of perseverance and endurance till we reach the finishing line. We learn to wait. We learn to have hope and faith.


So let us be patient with one another and the world will be a better place for all.


Patience is not a desperate waiting in doubt, but a hopeful waiting in confidence


        ~ Dean Ohlman

Reference : RBC Ministries Discovery Series on Patience by Dean Ohlman