The value of patience
By Philip Struble
We all operate in a digitally obsessed world where we’re used to having what we need immediately and right at our fingertips.
And as business leaders, we’re constantly busy. Between rushing from work to home to family events, it’s no wonder we don’t really have much patience. Our environment makes us think that we don’t have the time for it—it’s just as Brian May wrote, “I want it all and I want it now.”
To say patience is a virtue is an understatement. We need to understand that patience is more of a skill—one that can be learned and needs constant nurturing.
Patience is the state of being that occurs between experience and reaction. Whether you’re trying to be patient with yourself, others, or life in general, it seems always to involve the experience of dealing with delays or obstacles.
Benefits of Patience
The practice of patience has many benefits. Here are a few:
- Shapes Talents. To achieve your dreams, you must have the zeal to overcome challenges, and that zeal comes from patience
- Patience transforms relationships. Relationships are difficult and often require us to think through what we’re feeling, doing, and saying, and that requires patience
- Patience promotes a positive attitude. If things are not going the way you want them to, instead of getting frustrated, practice thinking of the positives of the situation which requires patience
- Patience makes you healthier. Anger and stress are two things that can ruin a person’s health. And patience is the antidote to both these illnesses
Learn Patience
Patience can be learned and cultivated. Here are five ways we can learn more patience.
- Practice gratitude. Thankfulness has a multitude of benefits. Research shows it makes us happier, less stressed, more optimistic, and it can also help us practice patience
- Be mindful of what is making you feel rushed. Our minds are constantly jumping from thought to thought, and task to task. Mindfulness, or awareness of our thoughts, can do a lot of good when we have a million things going through our heads. Write out your thoughts to illuminate the insanity of the jumping mind and the value of slowing down
- Make yourself wait. Instant gratification may seem like the most “feel good” option at the time, but psychology research actually implies the opposite. And the only way for us to get into the habit of waiting is to practice
- Embrace the uncomfortable. When we experience something outside of our comfort zone, we get impatient about the circumstances. We need to become comfortable with the uncomfortable in order to cultivate a little more patience
- Do a little deep breathing. When all else fails, try taking a few big breaths which have the power to calm the mind and body
The Bible
In Galatians 5:22-23, the Apostle Paul identifies patience as among the fruits of the spirit, meaning as we get closer to Christ, fruits of being in Christ will begin to manifest themselves. As we follow the gospel, be will become more patient.
The theme of patience is throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, God is patient with the Israelites as they resist following His commands. God waits centuries before He finally takes action to correct their behavior.
In the New Testament, we learn through Jesus how to be patient with other people as well. James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Think and Pray
There is really no reason for us to “want it all and want it now.” God will provide as he sees fit. However, in the meantime, it will benefit us greatly to practice patience in all our affairs.
Father, thank You for Your patience with me. You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. I want to exhibit those qualities in my life as well. Give me Your perspective on my circumstances and recognition of the opportunity to represent You in how I respond. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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Philip W. Struble is the President of Landplan Engineering and is passionate about helping business leaders steward their companies in a way that honors God. He is the author of Zebedee and Sons Fishing Co.: Business Advice from the Bible, and hosts a weekly blog at www.zebedeeandsonsfishingco.com. Philip and his wife, Stephanie, have four adult children and currently reside on a small farm in rural Douglas County, Kansas.