One of the most exciting, hilarious, and yet utterly frustrating experiences a person can have is the anticipation of an event. Humans love looking forward to things, regardless of how annoying the wait becomes. The suspense, promise of reward, and all-around electric feeling surrounds everything from Call of Duty Black Spec Ghost Ops releases (or whatever game Activision is making now), birthday presents, or even a simple night out with friends. However seat-of-your-pants impatient you may become, the wait is a key part of the whole experience.
Many events in American culture have this same "time tag" slapped on the packaging. It tells you that, for best results, you should _______. The blank can be filled with anything, from waiting a set amount of time or completing some type of action.
For instance, if you want to become CEO of a company, you must first: get a job in said company, work to get promoted, schmooze up to your boss, make a breaking deal - and then you'll be made CEO. If you want to drive a car, you must first: get a learner's permit, drive safely for two years, complete Joshua's Law - and then you can get a driver's license. If you want to eat that banana, you must first wait until it's ripe - then you can eat it.
Now, I grant you that these formulas may not actually work like this in the real world (Bananas can be tricky blighters). But I'm sure you get the idea. Whether it's a tasty treat or a life-altering promotion, the wait is most definitely worth it.
Sadly, this rule has all but been ignored in our present society.
It is no longer the shrewd, competent businessman who is made CEO. Rather, it is the man or women who is perfectly ready to do whatever it takes to make it to the top. These individuals don't care who they crush on the way there, as long as they reach their destination. As a result, they don't have half the knowledge and experience that is gained by the young desk clerk on the first floor office, who does his best to preform his job - whatever that may be - with excellence and diligence. Who do you think is more admirable in this situation?
Closer to home for us teens is the area of dating. There used to be a time where it was unheard of for two people to start "romantic" relationships at thirteen, fifteen, or even seventeen. It was just kind of ludicrous to most folks. Why? Because they knew that those kids - yes, we're still kids, deal with it - couldn't possibly be ready for that kind of relationship. Not just because of their age (That's a debate topic I won't approach right now), but because of the simple reason that their lives hadn't progressed far enough to make that sort of commitment feasible. It was just illogical to them!
Now, the idea of dating is less of a "I'm looking for a lifelong partner", and more of a "I'm looking for companionship". When most teens think they're looking for a date, they're really just looking for an honest friend, some one who will understand them and whom they can understand. But ninety-nine percent of these teens aren't aware of that line, and so they assume that the hole in their heart needs to be filled with romance. The ensuing "relationships" are nothing more than a breeding place for hurt, betrayal, and emotional scarring. And when the pair of jilted lovers shake off their sorrow, nothing has changed. So they start the process again, with the same inevitable result.
That's not to say there are no exceptions to this sad rule. I've seen many wonderful young couples in my time that lit up a room with their honest, pure, self-sacrificing love. They don't throw themselves all over each other, like actors trying to convince you of their affection. Rather, their love shines trough the little things they do: a small smile, a warm hug, a gentle laugh. They don't need showy displays of adoration, because the two of them know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, where they stand. They are more than just a couple; they are two sides of the same coin. It is a truly wonderful sight to see, a reminder that a joy such as theirs can exist in our broken world.
"Patience is a virtue." This proverb is often quoted in our world. Wisdom of the ages is greatly valued... Right? Or are we too busy listening to our fickle hearts to hear the whispers of those who have gone before, who have made our mistakes and dealt with the consequences. Why can't we pay heed? Why can't we slow down enough to let them carry us along? Why does our pride rule our minds, eater than the other way around?
These are only some of the unanswerable questions that life seems so fond of.
~
Walter J. Scott
