Character First! defines patience as accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it. Webster’s defines patience as being able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time or when dealing with problems or difficult people.

Patient people understand, in the moment, that delays or difficulties often work out for good. The rest of us, me included, understand the same fact – after the delay is over. I understand what it means to be patience, but I seldom practice patience the way I should. In full disclosure, I do not feel qualified to write about patience. I accepted the task of sharing on this topic for practice. On a poster for patience, I am only qualified to be the before picture.

Patience provides great benefit to a person, a family, an organization and a community.  When I’m sane, and not waiting in excess of my expectations, I understand the benefit of patience.  Patient people are free to appreciate. This appreciation creates the opportunity for peace and joy instead of tension and frustration.  Patient people are not burdened by what’s happening to themselves which allows them to be positive despite the circumstances.

Patient people understand the world around them and this fosters humility; Humility lubricates relationships and creates opportunities for shared success.  Patient people demonstrate grace, meaning they are able to give. Giving without an expectation of something in return creates wealth, not poverty.  Patient people produce joy. Joy is a result of everything above. Patient people are less frantic, rude, hurried, worried, negative, whiny and a host of other things.

When we fully live in the idea that something is more important than what is happening to us right now, patience will follow. I’m most grateful for the patient people in our community. Patience, like the other character traits, breathes life into our community.  Patience is contagious, and it makes Owasso a community of people who are able to give, share, and serve those around us.