I never considered that patience might be learned and improved over time.
We are carefree, irresponsible, and stubborn as youngsters. Children are not known to have possessed the virtue of patience. We realise that things done carefully are considerably more fruitful to us than those done hastily or impatiently as we develop and life begins to take its toll on us.
It is up to us, as mature people, to cope with life's problems patiently or impatiently. Developing patience requires tremendous effort and willpower. It is not only about determination but also about being wise enough to be patient rather than impatient. Developing patience requires tremendous effort and willpower. It is not only a matter of determination but also of being wise enough to be patient rather than impatient and acting badly. According to the book of Proverbs (14:29),
A patient person has tremendous understanding, but a quick-tempered person is foolish.
A jerk from the rocking chair jolted her awake from her slumber. It was the cat that bothered her. Sumatra closed her eyes once again and fell asleep. Her late grandmother-in-law was reflected in her eyes. It was the morning following one of those wild nights. Grandma adored us as a pair. She'd say we reminded her of her childhood with Grandpa. "Beta, don't get so angry," she would usually say. Anger is a devil, and it will destroy your devoted family."
Sumatra used to get quite annoyed whenever their grandmother provided her counsel. Sumatra was convinced that
"Grandma will side with her grandson and not support me."
Sumatra gradually realised that his grandmother was correct. Slowly, as the situation worsened, she realised that her husband was the family's breadwinner. He was arriving late after a long day's work, and all she did was argue with him.
Sumaira's self-awareness was sufficient. She stopped arguing, even though she was enraged, and kept her understanding and forbearance with him. She gained patience and understanding as she grew older.
Sumatra is delighted to have learned patience—patience in her love for the family, tolerance for failure, and forbearance towards her life's hardships—so that today she is happy and at peace. Giving prayers and thanks for all of her grandmother-in-law's help.
Sumatra's life has been made easier and happier by patience, not impatience. At this point, I'm wondering how difficult it must have been for her not to lash out at him and instead give him food with a smile. Please think about it and share your ideas in the comments section.