“Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can. Seldom in a woman, never in a man.”
My grandmother would recite this line whenever my impatience bubbled to the surface. Whether I was eagerly awaiting a treat or getting frustrated with slow-moving people, her reminder was a gentle nudge toward a quality that seems to be disappearing in today’s fast-paced world.
We live in a culture of instant gratification, where waiting feels like an inconvenience. From fast food to high-speed internet, everything is expected to 
happen now. The moment things don't go our way—when we get stuck in traffic, deal with rude people, or face delays—frustration and impatience take over. We often justify it as righteous anger. But is impatience really the best way to handle these situations? The Bible offers a different view. Patience, in the biblical sense, is more than just tolerating delays. It’s an expression of faith. The Apostle Paul tells us that patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), something that should naturally flow from a heart connected to God. I find in my life that patience is an active choice, not a passive virtue.
I have just spent 11 hours in an airport waiting for a plane that never arrived. What I learned from that day is that patience isn’t about simply sitting back and waiting quietly. It’s about resilience and maintaining a sense of calm while navigating difficult circumstances. Patience requires endurance, much like running a long race. It’s about focusing on the bigger picture rather than letting the little frustrations wear us down.
While impatience often leads to quick outbursts, rash decisions, or venting our frustrations, the practice of patience teaches us to pause and consider a more thoughtful response. It helps us avoid unnecessary stress and conflict, allowing space for reflection, understanding, and ultimately better decisions. In the case of an extended airport delay it also leads to great conversations, new friendships and camaraderie.
In a world where we’re constantly rushed, cultivating patience can lead to a more fulfilling, less stressful life. It allows us to embrace the reality that not everything will happen on our schedule, and that’s okay. For the Christian patience is a sign of strength and maturity, helping us to grow in faith and live a life marked by grace. For anyone, by practicing patience, we not only improve our own well-being but create a ripple effect of calm and understanding in the lives of those around us. That has to be a good thing, a thing worth waiting for.
