The period between Memorial Day and the official start of the summer can make even the most patient person, well, impatient and bored. Students (and the parents of grade school children) are counting down the days until the last day of the school year. Those who work but get a summer break cannot wait until they can “punch out” for a couple of days (or weeks or months). Those who work and won’t get a break but live for the social life busyness that comes with summer months are cannot wait for things to get started.
The longer we must wait, the longer the days seem to pass by—and the more easily frustrated we can get. We rush through our work, we welcome any distractions, and we try to do everything as quickly as possible as if it all helps speed things up.
If you’re in this boat, you’re not alone! However, slowing down can help with the impatience and restlessness. A lot of good can come from simply waiting for what you most look forward to. Don’t believe me? Here are nine saint quotes to help you on your most restless days.
1. When you’re dreaming of a better life
“We must not wish anything other than what happens from moment to moment, all the while, however, exercising ourselves in goodness.” – St. Catherine of Genoa
2. When boredom is your foe
“You’re bored? That’s because you keep your sense awake and your soul asleep.” – St. Josemaria Escriva
3. When you need a simple reminder…
“Patience smooths away lots of difficulties.” – St. John Bosco
4. When you’re impatient to know the future
“There is a state of resting in God; an absolute break from all intellectual activity, when one forms no plans, makes no decisions, and for the first time really ceased to act; when one simply hands over the future to God’s will and ‘surrenders himself to Fate.’” – St. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
5. When you feel frazzled and overwhelmed
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” – St. Francis de Sales
6. When it’s affecting your physical health
“Be patient because the weaknesses of the body are given to us in this world by God for the salvation of the soul, so they are of great merit when they are borne patiently.” – St. Francis of Assisi
7. When you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel
“We should take as a maxim never to be surprised at current difficulties, no more than at a passing breeze, because with a little patience we shall see them disappear. Time changes everything.” – St. Vincent de Paul
8. When it’s causing you to sin
“There is still time for endurance, time for patience, time for healing, time for change. Have you slipped? Rise up. Have you sinned? Cease. Do not stand among sinners but leap aside.” – St. Basil the Great
9. When you need a change of perspective
“The secret to happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.” – St. Gianna Molla
Remember that patience in a virtue, and that we can always offer up the frustrations of waiting for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. It’s a win-win for everyone.
