Years ago, when I was dating my now husband, I watched him unravel tangled Christmas lights. As he gently and carefully unraveled three twisted strands from a chaotic, tightly packed pile, my heart softened and opened to his character and endurance in tackling such a complicated task.
Patience is one of the simplest virtues to recognize but among the hardest to practice. It requires us to wait even when our instincts urge us to rush. It challenges our desire for instant answers, quick fixes, and immediate gratification. Still, patience remains the quiet power that guides us toward happiness, contentment, peace, and healthier relationships.
We live in a world where almost everything is just one click away. Food arrives within minutes, messages are sent instantly, and expectations grow even faster. Waiting often feels like an inconvenience, a delay, or even a failure. Yet, some of the most important things in life cannot be hurried; healing, forgiveness, growth, love, trust, and truth all require time.
I heard a story about a father teaching his daughter how to grow sunflowers. She planted the seeds and diligently watered them, but within a week, she became frustrated. “They’re not doing anything!” she cried. Her father smiled and said, “The magic is happening where you cannot see.” Weeks later, tall sunflowers reached toward the sky, proof that beautiful things happen in unseen places long before they appear before our eyes. That is patience: trusting the process even when there is no visible progress.
A recent example of patience is when we sold our home in Greenwood Village. Wanting to downsize and be part of a community (not just a neighborhood), we chose Heritage Eagle Bend (HEB), a 55+ active community. Since the community is so popular, we couldn’t find a home. For two years, we were homeless, bouncing between renting an apartment and traveling abroad. Our realtor, who lived in HEB, sent us listings, but by the time we opened the computer to view the details, the house was already under contract. Getting frustrated, we were ready to give up and look elsewhere. However, I always held out hope that we would find something. Then a miracle happened: on a cruise, we met another couple who were randomly assigned to our dining table. During the pleasantries of getting to know each other, they announced they were from Denver, lived in HEB, and were selling their home. I almost pole-vaulted into their laps. As it turned out, we did not buy their home, but because of this serendipitous meeting, we were alerted to another home on their street and purchased the house. Because we were patient, something extraordinary awaited us.
In relationships, patience is the glue that keeps people together. Misunderstandings occur. People grow at different rates. Dreams develop on different timelines. With children, patience becomes a form of love that shows them they are safe. A child learning to tie their shoes or manage their emotions needs someone who can sit beside them without rushing, shaming, or fixing everything too quickly. Patience says, “You can take your time. I’m here.” Few messages provide more comfort or security.
Patience is hard. It challenges us, humbles us, and reveals our vulnerabilities. But through that challenge, we grow calmer and become kinder to ourselves and others. We see that waiting isn’t wasted time; it’s the fertile ground where faith, resilience, and character develop. This season, when everything moves so fast, be patient with others. It will transform you. joneen@narme.org