We’ve had some crazy storms this past week. Sure, into every life a little rain must fall, as the saying goes, but nearly 20 inches in a week?  I’m sure my rain gauge wouldn’t lie. I’m not complaining though. My vegetable garden is quite pleased and I love the sights and sounds of lightning, heavy rain and thunder during the night. With a recent rain came a reminder about patience.

Benjamin Franklin said, “He that can have patience can have what he will.” At almost 1:00 this morning, I got what “I will”:  a lighting photo.  Lightning photos do not come easily, the photographer hoping that the timing of one’s extended exposure happens to coincide with the right lightning show with a desired look in the part of the sky to which the lens is aimed. Patience, patience. I’m pleased with this outcome.

And therein lies the real message. The results of patience can be pleasing, and to every life a little pleasantness is required. And joy. This photograph is not an award winner, it won’t attract a gazillion followers to my blog, and it won’t end up on the cover of some magazine. But it makes me smile. It makes me feel like it was worth staying up and striving to capture nature’s light show. It gives me a little boost that only creating something can do. It gives me a subtle sense of joy.

Patience may be the secret to achievement, to accomplishment, to having what you will. It may be a virtue. It might be a key to lower blood pressure. For me, as I look at the photo and think of standing on the front porch with rain splashing at my feet, patience brought pleasantness and joy. Come to think of it, patience provides those feelings quite often:  fishing, gardening, reading, sitting quietly, having a conversation…living.