'P' stands for Patience

How often have I heard myself say that patience is not a virtue I possess? I express it as both a conviction and an excuse each time I encounter long lines, waits, and conversations. In the realm of virtues, the challenge of waiting emerges as a profound test of my patience, faith, and resilience. I am learning that waiting is often an exercise in trust—a surrender to divine timing and providence, another area I am still growing in. As I daily spend time in the Word, I cannot deny that the biblical narrative is rich with instances where figures such as Abraham, Moses, and the disciples faced prolonged periods of waiting before witnessing the fulfillment of God's promises. Patience, considered a fruit of the Spirit, is intricately linked to the virtue of waiting. Embracing this virtue requires me to navigate the tension between anticipation and uncertainty, acknowledging that God’s plan unfolds in its own time. I’m noticing how waiting is not merely a passive endurance but an active engagement with hope and reliance on God's wisdom, fostering spiritual growth amidst life's uncertainties. And boy, is life filled with uncertainties.

I have recently returned from an extended visit to Portugal to visit family. There, I am always confronted by the slow pace of life, so starkly different from the hurried pace of life in the US.

In Portugal, as in most southern European countries, waiting is an art form; a lifestyle. They say that the ‘P’ in Portugal stands for patience. Every run to the store is met with long lines; every counter order requires a ticket to be called; every banking exchange is scheduled and formalized; doctor's visits are day-long events; meal experiences are long and unhurried; every moment of every day is a moment spent patiently waiting. Waiting in Portugal is not just a test of patience; it is part of the charm of European living. “Paciencia!” they say. Did I mention that ‘paciencia,’ patience, is not a virtue I possess?

Ephesians 4:2

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

After countless visits to Portugal, I am embracing waiting as an opportunity. Waiting moments are not just inconveniences but chances to cultivate a Christ-like patience, embracing the delays as a form of spiritual discipline.

Waiting isn't about merely passing the time; it's about using that time to draw closer to God. These seemingly delayed moments bring an unexpected quality to life, allowing me to reflect on my faith, offer prayers for others, look around my world with curiosity and gratitude. To find serenity and comfort in the fact that life is not an emergency and to remember that God's timing is perfect.

My love for Portugal has deepened through waiting, aligning my heart with God’s relaxed pace for life. It has bestowed upon me not only patience but also a profound appreciation for the divine timing of life.

So, the next time you find yourself frustrated by a delay, remember that hidden within those moments is an opportunity for spiritual growth and connection with God. To be fully present to life itself. In embracing delays, you have a chance to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, who embodied patience and grace throughout His life. Viewing waiting through a Christian mindset means surrendering to God's plan and finding peace in His timing. Observing the endless patience of those who serve and those who are being served becomes an invitation to reflect on God's enduring love and compassion. It is always good to remember that, as Christians, we are called to wait with hope and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives. 'Paciência' is not just a Portuguese word; it's a reminder to patiently await God's blessings and guidance in our Christian journey.

In conclusion, waiting in Portugal, when viewed through my faith journey, has become an opportunity for spiritual growth, connection with God, and the embodiment of virtues like patience and trust. It is my cultural nuance that, when embraced from my Christian perspective, deepens the charm of the Portuguese way of life and aligns it with the timeless teachings of Jesus whom I love.

~ Sylvia

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Living with eyes wide open to the love of God in everything, everyone and everywhere.