On Life 55 – Patience – December 6, 2014

   During our life, we encounter painful, or frustrating situations, or ones that make us think we failed. So, we are overwhelmed by rejection of our reality. If ever you are dissatisfied with your reality, tread the patience path, bearing hope in your heart: for it is said, “Between reality and good things there is path called patience.”

   Patience is a key to success. Man’s goals require a long time: for life is full of stumbling blocks, hills, and valleys which require perseverance that we might rise after falling. This is achieved only through patience. It is believed that great things are not achieved by strength, but by patience. Some people think that strength, with its various types, help man achieve his goals. Yet, if matters were thus, we would not find great or genius people. History recounts the stories of great people whose patience led to achieve their goals, though genius is, according F. Scott Fitzgerald, “the ability to implement what you have in mind.” Thomas Addison says that it is one percent inspiration, and ninety-nine toil! Thus, goals are achieved through diligent and patient toil.

   Likewise, patience gives man the ability to be consistent in handling the situations he encounters, which is not achieved except by training himself. Thus, he becomes able to handle his life correctly, despite the pressures he goes through. Also, through patience, man makes wise decisions and takes positive stances which edify and strengthen him. Patience also makes man strong enough to give others the will and help them effectively. He influences them and, through his patience, he guides them toward a path they could take. We all remember righteous Job whose patience made him overcome his pains, which fills us with faith and comfort.

   We also need patience in our daily life in order to understand others, which makes us converse and deal with them successfully, thereby we develop, understand one another, and work together to attain success.

   Dear reader: If you lack in patience, train yourself to acquire it. It is a secret of life. A beautiful phrase about patience reads, “When life makes you tired with work, make it tired with patience.”

General Bishop

Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center