Our family had a quick holiday in Yercaud before the New Year began and while it was a rushed getaway, it was much needed. We had the chance to sleep in and to laze around. We got to explore as a family, the small hill station and introduce our children to the joys of street food (oily yet satisfying!). Our resort had a game room where my son and I got a chance to sharpen our table tennis skills. The first game that I played with him, to my utter dismay, I lost miserably. (I'm a tad intense when it comes to winning). When we began the second game I noticed the same downward trend in my game. Our points were 6- nil when I noticed something about my playing style. I was always returning the serve too soon, leaning far too much into the net and reaching way behind me and returning serves that were clearly out.
As I lost the second match I realised exactly what my problem was - I was IMPATIENT!
I wanted to finish the point quick. I wanted to return that service asap. I wanted to hit that ball without waiting to see if it would even bounce in my court! Ha! Let's say once I figured out my folly Caleb was toast! As we played though, the word impatience kept echoing in my head. It was like a gentle nudge to my heart reminding me of how impatient I am to see results or to get through a certain task. It has definitely caused me to be harried and stressed but more importantly I have missed out on seeing the good from the things I have worked on since I was rushing on to the next thing on my to-do list.
While this may work for a while, on the long run its counter-productive and leaves me feeling aimless and exhausted. I have a few personal resolutions for this new year but top of the list is to be more patient. I want to take time to enjoy every bit of work I take up and really slow down my pace to inhale the sweet aroma of the NOW rather than be suffocated by the stench of regret. My impatience has unfortunately also crept into my parenting style and my marriage where I would rush through the seemingly routine things and overlooked deeper conversations and meaningful moments.
If nothing else changes, I want this to change in me. No more impatient shuffling when the kids delay in getting out of the house, no more impatient half-hearted listening when my husband gives me feedback (or eye-rolls) and no more impatient moodiness when dealing with situations that might get better if I would sit and give it more thought and understanding.
Who are you impatient with? What situations test the very limits of your patience? Do you think that you could slow things down and maybe see the year 2020 unfold slower and with greater significance?
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