I have often heard the phrase, “Patience is a virtue.” In our society of modern technology, it’s easy to have an instant gratification mentality. No longer do we hurry up and wait. It’s more like now or never. However, in order to possess patience, you have to take control of your mind, will, and emotions, also known as your soul.
When I was six years old, my father did not re-enlist in the Marines. Instead, he started his pastoral ministry in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. When we moved to the beach, the small congregation that awaited us did not have a parsonage, or home for the ministering family to live in. Having lived in military base housing, we had no money to purchase a home. However, we did have two tents and a small pop-up camper. For several weeks, that was our family’s living arrangement until my dad could save enough money to purchase our humble, yet beautiful (to us), mobile home. I had my seventh birthday during our camping lifestyle. I remember seeing the beach houses around me and envisioning that someday I was going to have my own home on the beach.
That dream did not become a reality until I was 50 years old. In order to make that dream become a reality, Keith and I went back into a camping lifestyle for 18 months, determined to find that beach house that I had dreamed of since I was a little girl. Over the years, the beach had become my happy place. I would visit often during all the seasons of the year and envision myself as a resident. There were times I thought this dream would never become a reality, for I was getting too old. However, I have learned over the years you are never too young to dream or too old to live the dream. Patience is the key. It will happen in time.
Patience is not just for long-term dreams but for daily living. The regular practice of patience prepares you to be a person of strength, integrity, valor, and perseverance. As you learn to be patient with yourself, you will also become patient with others. So, yes, patience is a virtue. As you practice it, your soul will be at peace and your mind will be at rest while you wait. Your labors are not in vain. Stand firm. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela