James Keller, an American Catholic priest once remarked: “Three hundred years ago a prisoner condemned to the Tower of London carved on the wall of his cell this sentiment to keep up his spirits during his long imprisonment: 'It is not adversity that kills, but the impatience with which we bear adversity.'” James 5:7-8 reminds us: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
Impatience is defined as the tendency to be impatient or, more specifically, not to allow sufficient time for events to take their natural course. Impatience can often take two individual or separate forms, occasional or perennial. It can include irritability through delay, having and revealing a short temper, or even displaying frustration or restlessness. People who are considered impatient often perform erratic or impetuous actions well ahead of a sustainable or suitable period of patience.
Life can consist of a labyrinth of considered different opinions and scientific facts. If we compare the sun as an unlikely analogy to the emotion of impatience, some people believe that the sun rises and sets each day. However, this is only an illusion. Although it is generally agreed that the sun marginally moves, the sun is said to rotate on its own axis in the center of the solar system. The star itself creates the phantasm of moving across the sky throughout the day until it disappears over the horizon. The appearance of rising and setting is prevalent to the actual Earth’s rotation, on its axis, around the sun. If cloud exists, that may conceal its visibility, one may not be able to pinpoint its exact location, but it is still there. Likewise, some may endeavor to hide the imperfection of impatience by false attestation. Like clouds become intermittent to reveal the sun from time to time, humans can also show their true feelings and self through sudden impatient outbursts.
1 Samuel 13:8-15 informs us: “He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.’
So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men.”
This passage demonstrates an initial act of disobedience to God by Saul. Impatience is the prominent feature. Impetuosity often occurs as a result of impatience. It is a definitive action or course that may not have been considered carefully, and may, as a result, become unfruitful or unwise. It can promote regret in a person, even though, on occasions, the act itself, may be regarded as beneficial. Impatience can infer a lack of God’s calmness within us. This can be initiated through a lack of trust or faith. Even impetuosity requires an element of thought before a considered action is executed. However, if this does not occur, wisdom may be lost and irritation gained through the hastiness of its speed. Speed can create noise which can obliviate the silence and calmness needed to think clearly. Just as cloud may inhibit the sight and benefits of the sun, which can pique an ideal day, so a lack of quietness may equally irritate the mind. 1 Timothy 2:1-7 reminds us: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”
Hilary Thayer Hamann, an American author once remarked: “The unusual thing about quiet is that when you seek it, it is almost impossible to achieve. When you strive for quiet, you become impatient, and impatience is itself a noiseless noise. You can block every superficial sound, but, with each new layer extinguished, a next rises up, finer and more entrapping, until you arrive at last in the infinite attitude of your own riotous mind. Inside is where all the memories last like wells, and the unspoken wishes like golden buds, and the pain that you keep, lingering and implicit, staying inside, nesting inside, articulating, articulating, through to the day you die.”
A sense of silence and calmness within can help to negate impatience. It can reduce the severity or pain encompassed through life that may become the initial foundation for its existence. It allows the thought process in our minds to see things more clearly and place things into a true perspective. The clouds of life are dissipated. We begin to see things as they really are. Instead of minor adversities overtaking life, and becoming of paramount importance, like molehills becoming mountains, that may impose adverse reactions, the calmness within suppresses and quietens the ordeal.
Some people seek meditation as an initial step to instigating calmness, peace and a stable balance of mind. It can feature prominently in many religions and in the overall reduction of stress, promoting the lack of anxiety which can create frustrations and irritability. However, meditation on the Scriptures, can be of even greater benefit. They focus our attention on the help that God is able to provide whilst reducing adverse external distractions. Scripture encourages a closer relationship and understanding with God which will aid more positive thoughts and actions that could noticeably reduce one’s impatience in life. James 1:2-4 confirms: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Amen.
