Don Bosco constantly talked to the Salesians of this virtue and placed it as one of the foundations of his educational system. He wanted patience to be in first place, set as an attitude fundamental to adequately carrying out the role of leadership or guidance, as indicated in "Confidential Memories to Directors": "Nothing upsets you."
The practice of patience, which often becomes self-control of one's personality or character, what Don Bosco called "temperance", must have very specific objectives and a concrete program to be reached. For example, patience in the family will lead us to having a balanced and happy family. From a religious point of view, patience will lead us to progress on the path towards human perfection. Patience at work will lead us to improve work. In each activity, patience provides different fruits.
But patience is very difficult to practice, if it's not accompanied, among other things, by a lot of creativity. You cannot be patient without having a real meaning, or motivation to ensure things work or work out.
To be patient and practice patience, one must have a higher motive, such as love for God or one's neighbor.
Being patient is a job that requires attention to small details, attitude and behavior on a daily basis. It's going outside one's own self in order to understand the other person. If patience is not the fruit of love, one won't be able to reach the state of living with joy, because the virtue of patience always requires one's own self to die.
In the family, among spouses, or parents and children, patience must be put into practice as it is the foundation of being tolerant towards the feelings and actions of others.
If parents fail to be patient, the child's formation will be difficult; they will lose their confidence and the capacity to create an environment of respect. "A drop of honey attracts more flies than a barrel of vinegar." (St. Francis of Sales).
