First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Art of Patience

Linda Soller | May 22, 2023

So often when we try to learn something new, we gain as much, if not more, from the side lessons. I’ve actually started an art class. Yes, I am committed to learning how to properly paint using watercolor. I’ve had only one class, so it’s premature to say I’ve improved. Then again, it’s also accurate to observe I can only get better. I have immersed myself in this learning process. My understanding of the vocabulary has grown so even if I can’t paint well, I have a fair command of “watercolor speak.” And if you know me you know I have obtained plenty of supplies to support my new interest. Time will tell if the actual painting skills will follow.

This brings me to a side lesson I am already learning. It can be summarized in one word – patience. I can’t say that I have perfected patience, but learning to watercolor has certainly given me ample opportunity to grow in this area. The actual process of watercolor is slow, allowing layers to dry before adding endless other layers. In my excitement to start my class I showed up a week early! In my first class I kept wanting to paint the full picture of our inspiration photos, but time was not on my side. My teacher encouraged me to focus on the textures and be patient. As I said, I am still working on patience, much like my painting.

We humans are an impatient lot. We want what we want, and we want it now. Technology has made many things faster, but who are we trying to kid? We can’t blame technology for our desire to want things we can’t afford, or the desire for the limelight, those are personal desires. We must own our decisions. Our phones tempt us, but they can’t make us stare at them for hours on end. Patience is the ability to accept delay.  Patience is like watching paint dry, pun intended, and the lack of patience can create issues. Watercolor may come and go in my life, but the patience I’m learning is a gift for a lifetime.

Be the love in the world  : )   Linda