Given the pace of life these days, it takes a great deal of willpower to slow down, and even more to just stop and wait. Patience is a virtue that few troubled teens possess. We’ve seen many students do amazing work here only to turn 18 and walk away from the school because they literally couldn’t wait to try their wings. Many make it, but many falter, and still others return, sadder but wiser. Some parents who have also lost their struggle with impatience and taken a student out of school have confessed “repenting in leisure” as well. Other students, who are just as impatient, nevertheless wait it out, seeing their commitment through to graduation or until they’ve completed their prescribed character education program. Their paths are invariably smoother for the waiting. “He that can have patience can have what he will,” observed Benjamin Franklin.
Those facing a decision are well advised to wait if they feel confused, or conflicted, or coerced. In her recent article “The Transformative Power of Waiting,” mentoring and recovery expert Shannon Cutts, says, “In any situation where an emotion other than peace is goading us to action, waiting is always an expression of wisdom.” We need to let waiting inform our decisions, especially major decisions, and act only when we feel clear, confident and at peace. Read the complete article here.
