The other day when I was sitting at my desk, I noticed a slight movement outside. I looked out the window, and I saw a small bird standing on a beam under the eave. The movement I’d seen was the bird flying to that spot. And right beside the bird was a nest which, as I was watching, the bird settled into. It’s spring as I write this and perhaps there are eggs in the nest, or soon will be.
In addition to being impressed by the bird’s choice of a place to build the nest that is protected from wind and rain and predators, seeing that little bird in its nest reminded me of the quality of patience. It is instinctual of course for birds to spend however much time is needed being still keeping their eggs warm until it’s time for their chicks to hatch. For many people, such patience doesn’t come so naturally. I consider myself to be a generally patient person, but then I catch myself at times when that isn’t so. As when the person in the car ahead of me isn’t watching the light change and I feel some tension as I wait for them to get going. Or when I go to a meeting and, because some people aren’t on time, the meeting starts late.
There are many life circumstances where having patience is essential. Illnesses must run their course and we need to take care of ourselves as they do. Injuries need a certain amount of time to heal, no matter how much we want to be active again. Children at different ages and developmental levels are only able to do certain things, and it’s important for the children’s wellbeing that we as parents and caregivers recognize this. Goals we set for ourselves require time as we work toward them. These are just a few of many examples.
St. Augustine, a Christian theologian and philosopher who lived in the late fourth and early fifth centuries, wrote: “Patience is the companion of wisdom.” When life circumstances require us to be patient, it is in our best interest that we endeavor to be so.
Seeing that little bird in its nest is an example of how our connection with nature can provide moments of reflection. For me, it also had synchronistic meaning. Synchronicities are acausal meaningful occurrences. I believe there is a reason I happened to be sitting where I was at a time the bird flew near the window and caught my attention. For this took place during a period of time when some things are occurring that are not in my control, that may last for quite a while yet, and for which the outcome is uncertain, all of which require that I have greater patience than I’ve ever needed to have. This synchronicity affirmed for me that waiting patiently is what I need to continue to do in my present situation. Receiving that message helps me to do that, and I’m thankful the message was given to me.