The Blessing of Patience and Humility.

The Blessing of Patience and Humility.

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

In the journey of life, patience and humility serve as essential companions, guiding us through the twists and turns with grace and resilience. Many of us struggle with understanding why certain doors remain closed, why some paths are blocked, or why our heartfelt prayers seem unanswered. However, there's profound wisdom in recognizing that a "no" from the Creator is not a rejection, but a redirection—a blessing in disguise.

When I encounter a "no," I see it not as a personal failure or a rejection from others, but as a divine nudge steering me away from what is not meant for me. It’s a reminder that what truly belongs to me will never slip through my fingers, and if something does pass me by, it was never mine to begin with. This perspective transforms my approach to life's setbacks. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, I perceive them as part of the Creator’s intricate plan for my life—a plan that far surpasses my limited understanding.

Our desires and the Creator’s plans often diverge. Yet, it’s in these moments of divergence that we find the greatest growth and the most profound lessons. Someday, as we look back on our lives through the lens of eternity, we will be filled with gratitude for the times the Creator disrupted our plans. We’ll realize that these divine interventions were not hindrances but gifts, designed to lead us toward a destiny more beautiful than we could have imagined. As the saying goes, "We plan, and the Creator plans, and the Creator is the best of planners."

Patience, as I've reflected many times, is a virtue that cannot be overstated. It allows us to face challenges with a calm and steady heart, focusing on long-term objectives rather than getting bogged down by immediate disappointments. Patience fosters resilience, helping us to remain hopeful and determined even when things don’t go our way. It is through patience that we learn to appreciate the journey of growth and handle adversity with dignity and poise. This, in turn, brings us greater peace and contentment.

To navigate life without frustration, anxiety, stress, and depression, especially when things don't unfold as we wish, we must cultivate a deep faith that the Creator is always guiding us. This faith is rooted in a solid relationship with the Creator. When our lives are built on this foundation, we need not worry about the trials we face. We can trust that we are being refined, guided, and molded by the Creator’s hands. The Creator will meticulously remove the weeds from our gardens and protect us from harm, just as a skilled gardener tends to their flowers.

The markhor, a magnificent mountain goat, thrives in the harsh, rugged terrains of the mountains. Known for its remarkable agility and grace, the markhor navigates steep cliffs and narrow paths with ease. Despite the challenges of its environment, the markhor remains steadfast, moving with patience and precision. It even eats snakes, protecting itself from venomous threats and maintaining the balance of its ecosystem. Similarly, the Creator’s “no” can be seen as a protective measure, like the markhor eating the snakes in our garden, safeguarding us from unseen dangers.

Just because our prayers or meditations have not yielded immediate results does not mean we should lose faith or become frustrated. It doesn't mean that the Creator is ignoring us or has abandoned us. On the contrary, it’s in these moments of waiting that we are being prepared for something greater. The Creator's timing is perfect, and every delay is a part of the divine orchestration of our lives.

When we align our lives with the Creator's will, we can rest assured that we are on the right path. We don’t have to succumb to the pressure of making things happen on our own. Instead, we can live in a state of peace, knowing that the Creator is in control. This trust allows us to surrender our worries and anxieties, embracing the journey with a heart full of faith and a spirit of humility.

To those who feel discouraged because their prayers seem unanswered or their meditations unfruitful, remember that the Creator's silence is not a sign of neglect. It is a time for growth, a period of preparation. The Creator is not indifferent to your struggles; every prayer is heard, every tear is seen, and every moment of longing is felt. Trust that the Creator is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events in your favor.

Like the markhor standing at the edge of a cliff, surveying the path ahead, we too must move forward with confidence, trusting the guidance of the Creator. The markhor does not rush its steps but moves carefully, knowing that each step is crucial for its survival. Similarly, we must not rush through life, driven by impatience and frustration. Instead, we should move with the assurance that every step we take is guided by the Creator. Our journey, no matter how steep or treacherous, is purposeful and filled with opportunities for growth and transformation.

Life's challenges are not meant to break us but to build us. They are opportunities to develop patience and humility, to deepen our trust in the Creator, and to grow in wisdom and strength. When we embrace these challenges with a heart full of faith, we open ourselves to the blessings that lie hidden within every "no."

The markhor, in its patient and deliberate movements, teaches us the importance of trusting the process. Each step is taken with care, each leap with confidence. In the same way, we must trust that our journey, with all its ups and downs, is unfolding exactly as it should. The Creator’s “no” is not a denial of our desires but a careful redirection toward what is truly meant for us.

Patience and humility are not signs of weakness but of profound inner strength. They allow us to remain grounded and centered, even in the face of uncertainty. They enable us to see beyond the immediate challenges and trust in the Creator's greater plan. By cultivating these virtues, we align ourselves with the flow of divine grace, opening our hearts to receive the blessings that the Creator has in store for us.

As we navigate our journeys, let us remember the markhor. Let us move with patience and humility, trusting that the Creator is guiding our steps. Let us embrace each "no" as a blessing, knowing that it is leading us to something far greater. And let us live with the assurance that what is meant for us will never pass us by.

Faith is the foundation upon which we build our lives. It is the anchor that holds us steady in the storms of life. With faith, we can face any challenge, knowing that we are not alone. The Creator is with us, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us toward our highest good.

So, do not despair when things do not go as planned. Do not lose heart when your prayers seem unanswered. Trust in the Creator’s timing, and know that every moment of waiting is a part of the divine plan. Have faith that the Creator is working in your life, even when you cannot see it. And remember that patience and humility are the keys to unlocking the blessings that the Creator has in store for you.

In the end, we will look back on our lives and see the beauty in every "no," the wisdom in every delay, and the grace in every challenge. We will understand that the Creator's plans were always for our highest good, and we will be filled with gratitude for the journey. So, let us embrace patience and humility, and trust in the Creator's perfect plan for our lives. Let us live with faith, knowing that we are being guided and molded by the hands of the Creator, and that what is meant for us will never pass us by.