It does not take an expert at reading emotions to be able to tell when someone has grown truly impatient. Impatience is often accompanied by huffs and puffs and creasing of the brows and rubbing of the temples. Impatience produces a physiological response within us that aids in the heightening of our tempers, which can lead to regretful choices in the moment. However, the Spirit gifts us with the ability to remain patient. Remaining patient gifts us the ability to listen, hear, and understand. Patience is often what keeps us from having to say “I’m sorry” or feel shame. Patience is a gift to us and a gift to others.

Photo by Ryan Hyde