On Questioning Patience & its Virtue [by Ade Adejumo]
This article should be read whilst listening to the song "Mysteries of Love" Julee Cruise - https://open.spotify.com/track/0jF5G6LnVRX92gFTnKxIbx?si=7af97208db9e4e76
It is no longer new that we all say patience is a virtue. Even though most of the time we haven’t been put in positions to see how well we would hold on to that often affirmed virtue. We have all been prophets for such claims, yet we slowly question the basis for such virtue with each passing moment.
One recurring question we grapple with is this: Is patience a virtue or just an excuse for our helplessness? On the other hand, one must ask if this sedentary power —or virtue— stems from our subconscious helplessness of knowing that there is nothing we can do about the situation we find ourselves in.
Or is patience a virtue because, even in the light of our helplessness, we still hold on to the chance that the stagnant ride of being patient might yield some good personal fruit of satisfaction? On certain occasions when such fruits are borne, they often taste the best. With this also comes the awareness that maybe the long helplessness of patience or its virtue —as we are made to believe— is needed to yield such perfect fruits. Good things take time, right?
We may never know if we are being patient or if we are in denial of our helplessness. One beautiful thing about patience though —or at least we all hope it is— is that it gives one a sense of calm and room for self-assessment. This phase of patience is usually the toughest to get through. This is where everything we’ve ever done or didn’t do is weighed. And most times, the verdict rarely does us any good, even though we tend to be both the judge and jury at this trial.
Ironically, it is at such moments of self-assessment that we find true honesty. We get to assess our actions and inactions for what they truly are —ours. Although, with this clarity, there isn’t much we can do to remedy the situation, the acceptance that we are solely responsible, yet helpless in the outcome of things makes patience a worthy enough punishment [read: virtue]. It is no surprise why there is always a story of acceptance behind any and everyone who embodies patience.
But the big question remains: if the roles were reversed and options given, would we choose to be patient or have the power to rectify our situations as quickly as they happen? Well, we all have our answers for that. And I’ll say all answers are valid.
Cheers.
Notes on the Guest Author:
Ade Adejumo is a writer and a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. When he’s not busy writing, he buries his head in academic journals and has a love for rap music and football.