As I watch a colleague that is an echo of myself in my younger days, I continue to reflect on what has changed. It is more than experience. Awareness, towards others as well as myself is a factor, but not the most significant. If I look to the past and present, the biggest difference I can see is patience. In my young, I willingly and openly acknowledged that patience was not one of my strengths. I candidly argued that patience was a close friend of Procrastination and Lazy. One of the mantras that drove my behavior was results matter! We can do more, faster, and better. Go versus wait decision points always ended up with go! If in doubt, act.
As I look back, I love the enthusiasm and energy. I admire the willingness to run through walls without regard for one’s self. I also wish I had learned when to run and when to wait. If only… There are moments when my young self tries to dominate. The reminders I keep coming back to include the following.
It is impossible for any individual to know the perfect timing for everything. We may think we would never be that arrogant, but our actions say otherwise! In my young, I never bothered to ask anyone for her/his view. It is the starting point today.
There is a time and season for action. Equally true, there are times and season for reflection, consideration, and planning. If one takes care of the latter, the former often follows.
Waiting and patience does not mean that there is no activity. Creativity is often conceived in waiting moments. Wisdom grows through reflection. The psalmist reminder remains true; “Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right.” (Psalm 94.15)
Patience is close friends with Trust, Collaboration, and Family. Patience often leads to silence and in silence listening and learning. It is an opportunity to let Life lead us to more than we could see. It is also one of the more difficult states of being to remain in.
