Patience is a virtue

My kids grew up hearing that phrase, "patience is a virtue" from me.  Most often it was when they didn't want to hear it.  But I think it has really taught them a lot. I think they have learned that patience is valuable, because there is so much that isn't available on demand.  Well, I suppose the truth is there are plenty of things that are available on demand.  However, the things of most value seem to require patience and effort.  I was just looking at a blog of some friends that are hoping to adopt.  (Click here for Amy and Chris's hoping to adopt blog)  Certainly Patience is likely to be required there. 

A lot of patience is required nowadays for young couples to save for the things that are important and that some generations in the past have taken for granted.  Like having your own apartment after you are married.  My kids are learning that with school and other bills that an apartment is something that takes time and saving to get into.  Purchasing a home has gotten harder in today's world and will likely take a lot of patience for our children to be able to purchase. 

Because of the frequent reminder to our children that patience is a virtue and the many times we did without or had to wait for something that was wanted we were able to have a fun time with our girls one day.  Lisa and I went to Sam's club and took the girls with us.  They were young and one thing that they really wanted was a trampoline.  They were prominently displayed at this Sam's Club and we knew the kids would ask/beg for one when we went.  They always did.  

By this time they had displayed good patience because we hadn't been able to afford a trampoline and they were often disappointed.  I think we avoided taking the kids there sometimes because we would have to go through that inevitable disappointment when they couldn't have the trampoline that clearly wanted to come to our house. 

On this day however, we had saved the money (or maybe it was tax return money) and we were prepared to purchase it, but we didn't tell them.  True to form as we were shopping for food the kids wanted to look at and then buy a trampoline and started asking/begging/pleading for one.  So, nonchalantly I told them to go get a flatbed cart to put it on and we would get one.  They didn't believe me but went and got the cart anyway.  Then I told them to put one on there and I don't think they believed it until our turn came in the line and we paid for it. 

Needless to say they were excited, and hopefully they learned that not only is patience a virtue but it also tends to make it even more enjoyable when the time comes to get that thing that you have wanted and have been patient for. 

Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers has learned that lesson this year.  He is the starting quarterback and has led the 49ers to the playoffs.  Last weekend they just lost their bid to go to the Superbowl but they nonetheless had a terrific year.  Alex Smith had struggled his first seven years in the NFL.  Surprisingly his team had the patience to keep him and give him a chance again after all that time.  And Alex had the patience to stay prepared and keep trying to reach the success that he hoped for.  Congratulations to Alex Smith and to all those who have the patience to be successful.