We can watch a movie or TV show on demand. Need an answer to a question? Simply Google the answer on a smartphone in seconds. And how about one-click purchases where the product is delivered to our doorstep, possibly the same day or the next? Instant modes of communication with others spoil us; our phones buzz when we receive a social media notification, email, or text, which enables us to respond or add a “like” immediately. And don’t forget about microwave dinners and ready-to-go prepared goods, equipped to satisfy hunger cues at our convenience.
These are just a few examples of the various resources available at our fingertips to get tasks done, whether in terms of entertainment, shopping, communication, food preparation, or others. It is somewhat of a paradox that these means can make us feel more overwhelmed and busier in the bustling world in which we live. This is not to say that these quick modes are devoid of goodness. Of course not, and indeed they can be beneficial, such as staying connected with loved ones regardless of geographical distance or rapidly obtaining essential goods in times of sickness. However, it can be easy to get accustomed to instant gratification and expect that to be the norm.
The virtue of patience
In opposition to instant gratification, however, is the virtue of patience. What does the Bible say about patience? As St. Paul eloquently described it in his First Letter to the Corinthians, “Love is patient […]” (1 Corinthians 13:4). We need patience in our relationships to work through the ups and downs and come out stronger on the other side.
As the writer of the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us: “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). All things have their appropriate time, many of which are outside our direct control.
Returning to St. Paul’s writings, in his Letter to the Philippians, he says, “I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Life is like a marathon. It is a story of endurance, perseverance, and patience — getting up again whenever we stumble on obstacles. What keeps us moving forward is the end goal, the promise of eternity with Our Lord.
How to practice patience
Here are a few ideas that can be implemented to break the cycle of expecting rapid fulfillment anywhere, anytime. They present opportunities to slow down in today’s hustle and bustle:
Plan a date night with your significant other, a friend, or a family member to go see a film at the movie theatre.
Set out on a solo trip to the local library’s resource section to browse through some pages on a topic of interest.
Go to the mall with a small group of close friends and window shop.
Call a neighbor and invite them over for light refreshments and a chat the following weekend.
Cook a meal from scratch; it can be a short endeavor or a more time-consuming activity depending on your preference. Maybe prepare a quick pasta dish or indulge in a slow-cooked soup or stew, start up the barbeque, or knead a crusty loaf of bread into existence.
In the rush of today’s society where we have effortless and rapid modes for instant shopping, communicating, and more, it is important not to get caught up in the hustle and to remember the virtue of patience and keep our eyes on the end goal. After all, God works on his own time, not according to the plans we have set out for ourselves with our timestamps. We need to be patient and believe.
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