Patience:
1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, misfortune or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like
2. a willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay
3. quiet, steady perseverance
Ah, yes, there they are, like ancient Greek columns of virtue, the well-worn definitions of “patience.” What sense can we make of them? A couple of things come to mind:
1. You know, I really could have it much worse, re: patience. If the head-honcho-doctor showed up in my doorway tomorrow with the announcement: “You’re making perfectly fine progress! While I am not recommending it, if you wanted to go home today I would not prevent you. But I caution you to be aware of distinct possibilities, such as infections and other serious complications…. Promise me you will monitor vital signs every 4 hours for the next couple of weeks (etc., etc.).”
How many of you would reply (as I’d be strongly tempted to do): “See you later, doc. I’m outta here!”???
While it’s true that I might be fine fending for myself in the wilds of northern Indiana, it would be an act of impatience to abort the program, take matters (of which I’m woefully ignorant) into my own hands, and leave this safe, but exasperatingly boring 12X15 room.
2. The “virtues” function differently from the “gifts” we consumerist-christians have become so fond of. If you have been “gifted,” you are enabled to practice (or spend) your gift immediately. It’s in the nature of the gift. But virtues must be acquired or earned, frequently through prolonged and serious challenges, which is merely another way of thinking of “suffering.” “Seek discipline and find your liberty” is an apropos quote from my March 22 post on Freedom. Think of it like this: I could gift you with a car, but you will definitely have to EARN your BSN!
Enough said. You know the analogies to sports and the arts; patience (suffering) during years of practice develops skills; skills enable success. Some 2000 years ago, Paul used the analogy: Run the race well that you might secure an eternal crown.
Oh, God, I’m running; it’s just so hard on a stationary bicycle…. Amen.
