The paved road is about 4 miles long. It is straight and level, like so many other roads in Florida. The speed limit is 45, but cars and trucks routinely travel at 60 mph or more. There are only a few intersections and not a lot of traffic. About midway, she sits every day. Perched on an electrical line, watching the traffic speed past.
I don’t know where she nests. What used to be hundreds of acres of forested land before hurricane Michael, is now an open wasteland with tree stubbles sticking up and the ground covered with rotting branches. But there she sits every day. She is a young female red tail hawk. She waits and watches fo see what will present itself for her next meal. She isn’t opposed to fresh road kill, being an opportunist like most birds of prey. The small game she caries off, larger ones she dines on beside the road.
When I see her I am reminded of patience.
In today’s rush ahead world we sometimes forget the value of patience, to our own detriment. We rush here and rush there. We grab take out because we don’t have time to cook or sit down to a leisurely meal. We must grab the cell phone when it rings, answer the texts and emails immediately. We don’t have time to read a book, or sit in a rocking chair on the porch and contemplate the woods. We can’t waste time smelling roses, or being polite. We have no patience for that kind of stuff.
Ken, your article blares out the truth. In the end, I perfectly match the description of a person who lacks patience. I have no excuses.
Ken You nailed this. What you say is so very true. Since I retired it seems I have time for living, listening and just being.
It takes time and patience to reach a goal, while haste takes you astray. Patience is what brings man closer to nature. Impatience, on the contrary, especially if accompanied by anger, can do enormous damage.
Impatience, if we reflect on it for a moment with patience (sorry for the pun), is a waste of time, which we are no longer able to manage, and also of our feelings, as often, especially if combined with anger, it leads us to the worst mistakes. On the contrary, patience and long steps always help to avoid damage.
So true Ken…..we’ve grown so accustomed to twitter type communication……reading a book? I wonder if that’s still a requirement in school (I hope so!). Writing and so much more is learned by reading but I fear it’s becoming a lost art – along with listening. Thanks for sharing.
Once again Ken you struck upon a real truth for enjoying the moment; living in the moment and first of all – realizing the moment. Truth, goodness and beauty fulfills our life’s moments for those of us lucky ones who practice patience and learn to be still!
Yes, Danny, and it is not always easy to practice it.