The Virtue of the Wait: Patience in the Field and in Life

There are moments in the process of discipleship—moments in the field, moments in the MTC, even moments studying the Book of Mormon—where the natural human inclination is to rush. We want the answer *now*. We want the confirmation *now*. We want the breakthrough *now*.

I watched a video recently featuring two kids learning a simple lesson: waiting your turn on a foam slide. It was so straightforward, yet it hit me with the force of a revelation. Ben gets impatient, cuts in line, and gets gently corrected. But the real magic wasn't in the correction; it was in the follow-through. Wendy, the helper, didn't just say 'No.' She connected with Ben, acknowledging, 'I know how you feel. I used to be impatient, too.' And then, she guided him to apologize and understand that fairness—and safety—required him to wait.

Friends, this is the eternal principle we need to carry with us as we strive to be better disciples of Jesus Christ. The Spirit often teaches us that the most profound spiritual growth doesn't come from forcing the issue, but from learning the grace of the pause.

The Spirit and Patience: A Divine Skill

As returned missionaries, we learn so much about patience. We learn it when an investigator asks the same foundational question for the third time, or when a lesson plan stalls because the Spirit seems quiet. We learn it when we have to wait for a transfer, or when we are waiting for the Lord to open the door to a specific area.

The willingness to wait—to wait for the right time, to wait for the right understanding, to wait for the *Lord’s* timing—that is a profound act of faith. It requires us to trust the pattern, to trust the process set forth by the Savior. It means accepting that sometimes, the best thing we can do is to cheerfully wait for our turn.

Being Christlike in the Small Things

The lesson in the video—apologizing, being fair, and understanding another's struggle—those are the micro-lessons of discipleship. They are the moments where we can practice being Christlike, right where we are. You don't need to be on a mission, or even in the MTC, to practice this. You can practice it in your living room, in a family discussion, or when you’re navigating a tricky conversation with a friend.

It reminds me of the power of the social scripture study layer in LivingBook. Sometimes, the most profound insights don't come from a formal lesson, but from a quick highlight shared by a friend that makes you pause and think, "Wait, I never connected those verses that way." It’s a gentle, everyday reminder to slow down and observe.

If you're feeling the impatience creep in—whether it's with a scripture study group that seems stuck, or a personal challenge that feels endless—I invite you to remember Ben and Ellie. Take a deep breath. Acknowledge the feeling of wanting it *now*. Then, ask the Spirit to help you practice the grace of the pause. It’s a muscle, and like any muscle, it gets stronger with intentional practice.

A Challenge for the Rogue Disciples

This week, I want to challenge all of us—all the rogue disciples out there—to identify one area in our lives where we are rushing, where we are trying to force a result before the Lord has ordained the timing. Maybe it’s a relationship, maybe it’s a personal goal, maybe it’s even just getting through the week. When you feel that urge to cut the line, pause. Breathe. And instead, offer a sincere apology—not just to others, but to yourself, for the impatience. Then, cheerfully wait for the next step.

If you want to deepen this principle, I highly recommend diving into the teachings on patience found in the Book of Mormon, perhaps through a Book Club setting in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful place to study together and feel the Spirit guiding our discussions.

Keep the faith, keep the momentum, but remember to savor the sacred moments of waiting. The Lord is perfect in His timing.

Warmly,

Your Brother,

[Your Name]