Patience

Contributed by Stephen Wickman, St. Thomas Episcopal, McLean

I’ve just been introduced to al-Ghazali, a perceptive medieval Islamic scholar, who among other things looks at the old adage that patience is a virtue. His exploration of the subject is featured in an on-line article authored by Northeastern Professor Liz Bucar on the website The Conversation.  It is entitled:  “3 things to learn about patience and impatience — from al-Ghazali, a medieval Islamic scholar.”

I know I am impatient. I want justice now, not later. But there is virtue in waiting patiently for the right moment, for the other person to finish their thought, something Jesus of Nazareth fully understood. So, I will pray for discernment as to whether patience – or impatience – is the better course to advance love, healing and justice in a given situation.  And I will breathe and try to allow a little space for the Holy Spirit to work its graceful magic in my personal life and in this world.

This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writers and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.