Patience is a sailor’s virtue, especially in the doldrums—as you wait for wind in a becalmed sea…wait for the storm to diminish…wait for the wind to change direction. As you raise sails. Lower sails. Shift sails. The good news is that you’re very rarely bored when sailing. When you are gifted with a few moments of idleness, take a few deep breaths of pure salty air and savor the sunshine warming your skin as sparkling blue water gurgles against the hull, leaving a bubbly path in your wake.
Sailing is a lot like our lives. It’s not usually calm, perfect conditions, but we need to appreciate every moment of the journey, even the doldrums. Difficult times that challenge us. Seasons when we’re stuck, unable to move forward. Periods of utter fatigue when we feel overwhelmed and want to give up.
We should make the most of those intervals of stagnation. They are blessings that allow you time to catch up—write or call a friend; bake a special treat for a loved one; draw closer to God. Rest! Because life will get crazy again, guaranteed, and you want to be prepared for whatever comes next.
“Patience is not simply the ability to wait—it’s how we behave while we’re waiting” —Anonymous
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