Suzy’s mother used to say often, “Patience is a virtue.” Try explaining patience to a young child who is “hungry,” “wants to go to the park,” or asks, “Are we there yet,” and one is likely to end up praying for “patience” for oneself.
Adults aren’t much better in these days of instant gratification. At times I wonder if patience has become the “lost virtue.”
When my patience was wearing thin and my children were very young we used to play a game. It involved an imaginary bunny. The kids would ask, “when will we be home?” I would say, “In three shakes of a bunny’s tail.” and encourage them to look out the window for a bunny rabbit shaking its tail. It’s amazing how many times we pulled into the driveway exactly when the bunny shook its tail for the third time.
Only know, do I realize I was teaching my children that when we find ourselves becoming impatient, a great cure is to pay attention to one’s surroundings, to be alert, and to be present in the moment.
Sometimes we call on God and then become impatient when the answer is not immediately forthcoming. Perhaps he wants us to pay attention, be alert, and enjoy the moment. The bunny’s tail will wag soon enough.
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