Learning Patience

I am very grateful for our Roundtable classes, which overflow with spiritual precepts and practical steps for practicing pure Christian Science as taught by Mary Baker Eddy and the early workers.

Recently, the virtue of patience was discussed, along with its importance. A few years ago, a definition of impatience was shared during another Roundtable class that resonated with me. It was that impatience, a false trait, usually comes from thwarted self-will, characterized by restlessness, agitation, nervousness, impulsivity, worry, and dissatisfaction, to name a few. I am grateful for the change in character that has occurred since that time, which was a result of my practitioner's prayers and instruction.

Step by step, lesson after lesson, I have been gaining a better understanding of the need for patience and breaking the stubborn hold of impatience. I am learning to trust God's disposal of events, forgive myself and others, be patient with my own and others' growth, be quieter, and express greater endurance. I have been learning to recognize my emotions and understand what makes me rush. I am also learning the importance of not tolerating what is wrong in God's eyes and the courage to face problems.

As Mary Baker Eddy states: "Then, we should go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities." (Excerpt from "Taking Offense" in Miscellaneous Writings, page 224)

Before this journey at the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, these were just words that I was trying to follow, albeit ineffectively, out of personal effort. Through pure Christian Science, I have gone deeper to address the beliefs I held on to and to replace them with the Truth about God's man.

I am deeply grateful to Christ Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy, and the dedicated workers at this church who are faithful soldiers of God.