Or perhaps patience is better understood as a gift of the Spirit (as St. Paul insists). The Greek word for suffering is also suggestive: patios means to 'wait through suffering.' For those who are disappointed, who suffer, who have had life set-backs, the ability to stay in the moment and trust God -- be it a discipline, virtue or gift -- is a grace.
 
As I am on the mend from the knee replacement, I have had much time to think about patience. Perhaps more so than most, I don't like to wait; being in control is much preferable to 'waiting upon the Lord.' So thank you all for your prayers...I'm gaining on it!
 
In the meanwhile, it might be worthwhile for all of us to contemplate on the patience of God. The God who created our world is the God who in vulnerability became a servant for our sake that 'by his wounds we are healed.' Far easier for God to leave the scene, but the nature of love is steadfastness; and the nature of God is to wait with us through the sufferings and travails of this world until the Kingdom comes! Thanks be to God!