I've always admired patience in others. The calm, the serenity they exude while waiting, while enduring, it's truly something to behold. And yet, as much as I appreciate this virtue in people around me, I've often found it to be an elusive quality in my own life.

I've always recognized that I'm a slightly neurotic person, and there are times when I struggle to stay calm, especially when faced with situations that test my patience to the limit. One such situation that I recall vividly was during the madness of the Philadelphia rush hour traffic jams. The honking horns, the gridlock, the cutting in and out by irritated drivers, and the sheer frustration of moving at a snail's pace eventually got to me. I could feel my temper flaring, the impatience bubbling within me like a pot ready to boil over. But I knew deep down that patience was an asset, and I should strive to embrace it.

In my heart, I understood that a patient person is slow to anger. So, I clenched the steering wheel, took deep breaths, and focused on remaining calm. I reminded myself that getting irritable wouldn't make the traffic move any faster. Instead, I tried to divert my attention to something more positive, like listening to the Original Songs on jw.org, something more spiritual, or enjoying the view around me. It wasn't easy, but I was determined to exercise patience, but it was more than just that.

I vividly remember a time when my overly excessive eagerness while navigating a congested traffic situation led to a regrettable result. I was running late for an important meeting, and as I found myself stuck in a seemingly endless traffic jam, frustration took complete control over me. I couldn't control my annoyance and began honking my horn in irritation. My impulsive actions, driven by frustration, only seemed to exacerbate the gridlock. The lane that I was in was barely moving, and I ended up inadvertently jumping out of my lane and cutting off another driver. This aggressive maneuver resulted in a near collision, with screeching brakes and blaring horns. The looks of anger and disbelief from fellow drivers served as a sobering reminder that my lack of patience had not only endangered myself but also jeopardized the safety of others on the road. Of course, the lane I aggressively exited, now moved unimpeded. I instantly deeply regretted my impulsive behavior and realized that patience, even in the most trying of situations, was not only a commendable quality but a crucial factor in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on the road.

At Galatians 5:22, 23, the fruitage of the spirit is fundamentally intertwined with patience. Love, the very core of these virtues, requires patience to endure through trials and tribulations. Without patience, there can be no enduring joy, for true joy often arises from persevering through life's challenges. Kindness and goodness also find their roots in patience, as being kind and good necessitate understanding, tolerance, and a gentle approach, all of which are facets of patience. Faith, too, relies on patience, as it's the unwavering belief in that which is unseen, thus requiring us to patiently trust in their eventual fulfillment. Mildness is born from patience, as it involves a calm and gentle disposition. And self-control, a vital aspect of the fruitage of the spirit, is inseparable from patience. I've always associated patience as equally important as hope, love, and trust, recognizing that it is the thread that weaves these virtues together into a beautiful fabric of spiritual growth.

This article really helped me to realize that patience wasn't just about controlling my temper during frustrating driving situations; it was about waiting calmly in all aspects of life. When I had an important task to accomplish, I used to rush headlong into it. But now I wondered, if I was patient, could I take a step back, plan my approach, and in turn, do a better job? This is so tricky for my personality because sometimes I’m inclined to procrastinate, but patience is not about that, but instead about thoughtfully pacing myself.

To extend myself to endure trials without complaining, well, this I knew would be challenging. The article helped me explore the idea of patience being closely related to endurance. What a great reframe! Now I wondered, what if I strived to bear difficulties with a more positive attitude, withstanding the hardship or adversity in spite of the delays, difficulties, and tedium. Simply complaining itself isn’t going to make the hardship disappear.

Growing up in a somewhat hostile urban environment, I’ve always understood that when someone is provoked, being slow to anger usually prevented situations from escalating into unnecessary conflicts; this article fleshed out the idea that over time, those who embraced patience felt happier and calmer. It improved their mental and physical health, so much so that their relationships with others improved because being patient allowed them to be more understanding and compassionate.

Most importantly, by me being patient, I’m now imitating my heavenly Father, Jehovah, and drawing closer to Him. With this in mind, I can see the profound benefit of patience. I know, it’s not going to be easy, but with His help, I can continue to cultivate this loving quality, and in doing so, become a better person, more united with those in my congregation, and closer to that which is divine.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)