I struggled to patiently put this post together. It feels like something was in the water or pudding around the prior holidays; so much impatience popped up in many places at a surprisingly rapid pace. In general, I mourn for all of the impatient people. How much of life are we rushing through? Why are we often hurrying from one thing to the next? How frequently are we chasing something in the future instead of patiently enjoying the here and now? When do we pause to reflect and breathe some? Please have goals, yet do not forget to also appreciate each passing point along the way. The present is our present.
This past week in Florida, a fire truck did not patiently obey the railroad crossing signs. Instead of helping with active emergencies, this crew added to them when a train wrecked that truck at the intersection. Perhaps peril proves the importance of patience.
One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.
-Chinese proverb
Peppered through this previous weekend, I am shocked by the number of headlines I saw popping up about many bouts between teams in various sports at varying levels. College and professional football and basketball seemed to be riddled with violent impatience as unnecessary brawls broke out and led to numerous ejections. When an officiating figure even gets bloodied in the midst of an altercation, it feels like a new low level for all of us.
Have patience with all things, but, first of all with yourself.
-Saint Francis de Sales
We do not need to rush in most cases, and we certainly do not need to act aggressively in them as well. Accept the flow of life. Loosen up on your own reins in your lane. Please be patient, young grasshoppers. Just because we want to do something right now, does that mean we should? I do not think so. I think timing is essential to doing our very best. If you rush plans on your own timeline, then are you really respecting the fourth guardrail?
The hasty stroke goes oft astray.
-J.R.R. Tolkien
Practice patience. Restore your inner peace. Are any actions above not regretted now? Slow down. Think things through thoroughly. Plan your best next step, and take care.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell.