‘Tis the season to rush about in the annual sprint to the end of the year. During this time, in particular, patience can be pushed to the limit. Aren’t we supposed to be happy as we secure just the right gifts for others – not upset because Target just sold the last xxx and we don’t know where to find another? Shouldn’t we enjoy decorating our abodes rather than wondering why in the world we purchased that ugly centerpiece during the 75% off after Christmas sale last year? And what about that cute Santa sweatshirt that you also got on sale last year, but wouldn’t be caught dead in this year?  Right now, I’m thinking that I should give myself a break and be patient with this year’s deadlines and disasters. (Maybe Goodwill would want the centerpiece and sweatshirt.)

Seeped in patience, I took my mother to have a tooth pulled early Monday morning. This involved early rising, driving to her nursing home in another town and driving back to my town to the dentist. All of this was accomplished in the rain. (Patience) Following a short 15 minute and $347 procedure, we were on the road back and forth one more time. Bless my mother and the dentist – all went well and I was back home shortly after noon. Patience paid off.

Continuing my effort to remain patient, I attempted to be productive and replenish my supply of “for sale” earrings. I wanted to make mixed metal designs which  seemed like an easy task. I arranged all the supplies in front of me, picked up my pliers and waited . . . for an idea. I waited and waited, but no great one appeared. While trying to ward off frustration, I rearranged my supplies thinking a juxtaposition might help. It didn’t! Then I remembered that I was supposed to be exercising patience; so I just sat.

Finally, following a long period of incubation, the earrings below hatched. I’m embarrassed to say that it took two hours to design a mere 3 pair of earrings. I did, however, learn again that being patient with yourself is important. While I don’t know if customers will like these earrings, I did accomplish the task I set out to complete. I do have mixed metal earrings.

 

 

 

Today, the need for patience continues. A morning of design work was halted by a phone call from the pasture about a newborn calf that needed help. Rather than griping, which was my first instinct, I drove to the store, secured the required materials and came home to help save a life. The newborn thankfully gulped down his bottle and nuzzled me as though I were his mother. He was much nicer than the one I helped last week who felt the need to kick me each time I gave her a bottle. Today’s calf will need my help every few hours for several days and I will patiently help him until nature allows his bovine mother to take over. I just hope she is also patient while I’m in the pen with her boy and doesn’t try to eliminate me.

This drawn out tale could, of course, go on and on. We all have episodes that call on our reserves, particularly at this time of the year. We could collectively paraphrase that old poem, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways. When Do I Need Patience? Let Me Count the Ways. Yet, that would trivialize the need for this virtue. Let’s just leave it at “give yourself and others a break” and remember to breath. ‘tis the season!